Wireless digital personal communications system having voice/data/image two-way calling and intercell hand off provided through distributed logic

ABSTRACT

A wireless digital personal communications system (or PCS) having a plurality of intelligent base stations and portable handset terminals, each having a predetermined radio cell coverage area. The radio cell, radio-telephone PCS has a full digital network interface. The personal communications system facilitates direct interconnection and switching of PCS call traffic through the digital network interface and the public switched telephone network, or any switched network. The personal communications system has voice/data/image (or any combination thereof), and incoming and outgoing calling capability. The PCS is fully operational and compatible with any modulation approach selected. The intercell protocol hand-off being provided through distributed logic which is implemented in software that is resident in the intelligent portable handset terminals, in the intelligent base stations, and in the public switched telephone network (or any switched network).

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/184,298 filed on Jan. 21, 1994, now abandoned, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 08/000,363, U.S. Pat. No. 5,325,419 filed Jan. 4, 1993.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a wireless digital personal communications systems having a plurality of intelligent base stations and intelligent portable handset terminals, each having a predetermined radio cell coverage area, and more particularly to a digital, radio cell, radio-telephone, personal communications system (or PCS) having a full ISDN interface, thereby facilitating direct interconnection and switching of PCS call traffic through the ISDN interface and the public switched telephone network, or any switched network, the personal communications system having voice/data/image (or any combination thereof) and two-way full-duplex incoming and outgoing calling capability, and being fully operational and compatible with any modulation approach selected, with the intercell protocol hand-off being provided through distributed logic which is implemented in software that is resident in the intelligent portable handset terminals, the intelligent base stations, and the public switched telephone network (or any switched network) equipped with a PCS service control data base.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The increasing availability of mobile and portable communications over the past decade is freeing business and residential users from the physical constraints of a totally wired telecommunications network. Particularly, cellular communications systems, together with paging and other complementary services, brought true mobility to telecommunications services for the first time. Significant technical advances in mobile and portable technologies, as well as in new technologies such as digital transmission with respect to wireless telecommunications, have substantially expanded the number and types of wireless telecommunications services using the radio spectrum that can be made available to the user. These prospective services include, but are not limited to, advanced forms of cellular telephone service, advanced digital cordless telephone service, portable facsimile services, wireless CENTREX and other switching center basic services, wireless private branch exchange services, and wireless local area network services, and may be used through the existing public switched network or through alternative local wired networks (such as cable television systems). As such, digital personal communications systems can exist independently of, and in conjunction with, local wired networks, filling gaps that are existing in current communications systems, and also in creating new markets, many of which are yet to be defined. The advent of PCS will have a great impact on the future development and configuration of all telecommunications networks by significantly improving their flexibility and functionality. Accordingly, providers of PCS will have the ability to reach and serve existing and new markets nationally in an economic and responsive manner. It would be an advantage to construct a digital PCS network that could share the functionality of the Public Switched Telephone Network through a standardized interface (e.g., ISDN) that may currently exist, or are expected to exist, to efficiently provide a broad set of functions.

Personal communications requirements in the United States are rapidly changing as the demand for instantaneous communications increases due to increased mobility of the user. One of the advantages of PCS is that it will use a single communications device to reach anyone, anytime, anywhere. PCS will facilitate increased mobility and flexibility of the user, since this approach solves the underlying problem of being in constant communications with the user. PCS wireless will enable users not to miss important calls, as well as reduce the time and expense in returning calls. PCS combines the functionality of radio and the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) technologies and infrastructure, and will accommodate full-duplex capabilities (two-way incoming and outgoing calling) and hand-off between radio cells (allowing users to freely move from one radio cell to another without interrupting the user's call within one switching center).

It is important to remember that there has been a steady increasing demand for new PCS services and technologies for numerous, sometimes incompatible, applications, namely, wireless private branch exchanges, smaller lighter portable cellular phones, portable fax machines, multi-channel cordless telephones, and additional services which are targeting the facilitation of contacting a particular individual user (rather than contacting a particular station). Current radio equipment and related services presently offered (i.e., cordless telephones, radio paging, and cellular radio) cannot fully meet the demands for these new types of PCS services. For example, cordless telephones are used in and around the home or office, operate on only a very few channels (10 or so) and are limited to use in the immediate vicinity of their associated base station. Radio paging services are only one-way and have limited capabilities. Cellular and specialized mobile radio services cannot meet the full range of expected demand for PCS. Over time, PCS will have standardized equipment with common modules in hardware resulting in improved reliability in the associated equipment which will also be less vulnerable to transient interference from external sources, have automatic call registration, automatic call forwarding, voice mail, faxing capability, easy roaming features, remote data transfer, increased privacy protection/caller ID/class services, increased battery life, and common protocols. In order to best fulfill this marketplace mandate, a digital PCS is a necessity. Wireless PCS may eventually eliminate the need to have a building hard-wired for communications. Generally speaking, PCS will facilitate communications equipment with additional features. A digital PCS will facilitate improvements in technical communications equipment, systems and design.

Presently, various digital personal communications systems are known in the art, none of which will allow direct interconnection and full featured switching of PCS call traffic through an ISDN interface and the public switched telephone network. Accordingly, it would be advantageous for any PCS to have a ISDN interface to connect a particular radio cell with the public switched telephone network, or any switched network, thereby allowing direct interconnection and switching of PCS call traffic through the ISDN interface and the public switched telephone network, or any switched network.

Similarly, with respect to the various digital personal communications systems known in the art, none have the ability to directly handle user registration with the network, user validation by the network, voice/data/image information (or any combination thereof) and two-way full-duplex incoming and outgoing calling, and the capability of hand-off from one radio cell to a another radio cell via the public switched telephone network. Accordingly, it would be advantageous for any PCS to have these capabilities.

Another possible advantage would be if a digital PCS could be developed which would have a rather simplified system architecture resulting in associated logic being distributed, rather than being centralized. For example, it would be advantageous if a digital PCS could be developed which had its associated logic resident in the portable handset terminals, in the radio cell base stations, and in the switched network, thereby allowing the portable handset terminal to seek radio cell hand-off whenever required.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a wireless digital personal communications system that will have incoming or outgoing call capability for either voice/data/image information, or any combination thereof.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless digital personal communications system that will have a standard ISDN interface for connecting at least one radio cell with the public switched telephone network, or any switched network.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a wireless digital personal communications system that will facilitate the direct interconnection and switching of PCS call traffic through the ISDN interface and the public switched telephone network, or any switched network.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a wireless digital personal communications system that will facilitate, but not limited to, the direct interconnection and switching of PCS call traffic through the ISDN interface and the public switched telephone network and not require an adjunct control unit located between the radio cell base station and the public switched telephone network.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a wireless digital personal communications system that will be able to convert ISDN protocol to a second protocol that provides interconnection to the distributed data base.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a wireless digital PCS which can control the signaling information sent to the PSTN (or any switched network) from the portable handset terminals through the use of a zone grouping concept.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a wireless digital personal communications system having the ability to authenticate portable handset terminals to validate their identity.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a wireless digital personal communications system to encrypt information being transmitted between the portable handset terminal and the radio cell base station.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a wireless digital personal communications system that will have a distributed and partitioned Service Control Point data base, or PCS data base, containing portable handset terminal feature profiles and maintaining the location registration data for each portable handset terminal.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a wireless digital personal communications system having the radio cell protocol hand-off being provided through distributed logic implemented in software that is resident in the intelligent portable handset terminals, in the intelligent base stations, and in the public switched telephone network (or any switched network), equipped with a PCS service control point data base.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a wireless digital personal communications system having a simplified architecture with respect to system hardware and software configuration requirements and yet will be fully operational and compatible with any modulation approach selected to be used by the hardware in the system.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a wireless digital personal communications system which will have increased reliability and flexibility, and which will fulfill anticipated demand for new state-of-the-art cellular communication products aimed at increasing personal communications with the user.

Briefly, according to one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a wireless digital personal communications system, which has a plurality of radio cell areas of predetermined coverage. The system has incoming and outgoing calling capability for either voice/data/image information, or any combination thereof. The system having a predetermined digital network interface which allows for direct interconnection and switching of wireless and signalling traffic through a switched network (or the public switched telephone network) and for connecting at least one radio cell with a switched network (or the public switched telephone network). The system has a service control point data base which uses transaction application protocols for interconnection to the system (or PCS) Switching center. The system has intercell hand-off provided through distributed logic that is resident in the portable handset terminals, distributed logic that is resident in the radio cell base stations, and distributed logic that is resident at predetermined locations in the switched network (or the public switched telephone network). The system comprises a plurality of radio cell base station means, each radio cell base station means having a predetermined radio cell coverage area, each radio cell base station means having means for simultaneously receiving and transmitting signal messages and a plurality of communications messages, each of the radio cell base station means including means for digital communications with the digital network interface; means for assigning a communications channel to a specific portable handset terminal means in the coverage area from a plurality of available communications channels; means for location registration of a portable handset terminal means within a radio cell coverage area for incoming or outgoing calling on the assigned communications channel; and means for effectuating communications between each portable handset terminal means in the radio cell coverage area and a switched network (or public switched telephone network); a plurality of portable handset terminal means, each portable handset terminal means operatively disposed with the radio cell base station means, each portable handset terminal means having means for simultaneously receiving and transmitting signal messages and a plurality of communications messages, each portable handset terminal means including means for initially selecting a radio cell base station means for location registration of the portable handset terminal means with the switched network (or public switched telephone network); means for selecting a voice communications channel of an associated operatively disposed radio cell base station means by scanning the available channels, comparing the quality of the signals, and then selecting the communications channel which has the best signal; and means for seeking and determining an intercell hand-off from an existing radio cell base station means to a second radio cell base station means; at least one switched network (or public switched telephone network), each switched network (or public switched telephone network) operatively disposed with the associated radio cell base station means, each of the switched networks (or public switched telephone network) including means for connecting the digital network to each of the radio cell base station means to the switched network (or public switched telephone network); means for effectuating intercell hand-off from a first radio cell coverage area to a second radio cell coverage area; means for converting a first predetermined digital network protocol to a second protocol for interconnection to a service control point data base means; and means for determining and accepting calls to and from a plurality of switched networks (or public switched telephone network); and a service control point data base means including means for location registration of the portable handset terminal means with a specific radio cell coverage area, whereby the personal communications system facilitates direct interconnection and switching of wireless call traffic through the digital network interface and the switched network (or public switched telephone network).

Alternative embodiments of the present invention include a wireless digital personal communications system having authentication means for authenticating a remote device; a wireless digital personal communications system having authentication means for authenticating a remote device and security means for securing signal and message content between an intelligent base station and a remote device, the security means including a predetermined encryption and decryption technique; a wireless digital personal communications system having dynamic zone grouping of portable handset terminals; and a wireless digital personal communications system having call forwarding for unanswered calls.

This invention is directed to solving these and other disadvantages of the prior art. Other objects, features, and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of this invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention, as well as its organization, construction and operation, will be best understood from an examination of the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment of the invention when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. Accordingly, the invention, together with the further objects and advantages thereof, may be understood by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial diagrammatic view illustrating the operation of the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a system flowchart illustrating the total system functionality of the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a system flowchart illustrating the particular functionality of the distributed logic which is resident in the hand-held intelligent portable handset terminals associated with the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a system flowchart illustrating the particular functionality of the distributed logic which is resident in the intelligent base stations associated with the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a system flowchart illustrating the particular functionality of the distributed logic which is resident in the public switched telephone network associated with the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a time sequence diagrammatic flowchart illustrating registration of an intelligent portable handset terminal in the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a time sequence diagrammatic flowchart illustrating authentication of an intelligent portable handset terminal, and security key derivation, in the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a time sequence diagrammatic flowchart illustrating registration of an intelligent portable handset terminal in the roaming mode of operation in the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a time sequence diagrammatic flowchart illustrating authentication of an intelligent portable handset terminal, and security key derivation, in the roaming mode of operation in the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a time sequence diagrammatic flowchart illustrating call origination with respect to an intelligent portable handset terminal in the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a time sequence diagrammatic flowchart illustrating an incoming call to an intelligent portable handset terminal in the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a time sequence diagrammatic flowchart illustrating an incoming call to an intelligent portable handset terminal and the situation is "no answer" in the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a time sequence diagrammatic flowchart illustrating an incoming call to an intelligent portable handset terminal and the situation is "user busy" in the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a time sequence diagrammatic flowchart illustrating an incoming call to an intelligent portable handset terminal and the situation is "user not here" in the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a time sequence diagrammatic flowchart illustrating an incoming call to an intelligent portable handset terminal and the situation is "interface busy" in the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a time sequence diagrammatic flowchart illustrating the hand-off of an intelligent portable handset terminal in the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The personal communications system of the present invention utilizes Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), Advanced Intelligent Network Switches (AIN), Service Control Point (SCP), data base, and radio interfaces for various elements of the system. Accordingly, the following Bellcore technical references pertaining to ISDN, Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) Switches, Service Control Point, are needed, but not limited to, the operation of the personal communications system of the present invention and are hereby incorporated by reference, namely: (i) "Advanced Intelligent Network 0.1 Switching Systems Generic Requirements" (TR-NWT-001284); (ii) "Advanced Intelligent Network 0.2 Switching Systems Generic Requirements" (TA-NWT-001298); (iii) "Advanced Intelligent Network 0.1 Switch Service Control Point Application Protocol Interface Generic Requirements" (TR-NWT-001285); (iv) "Advanced Intelligent Network 0.2 Switch Service Point Adjunct Interface Requirements" (TA-NWT-001299); (v) "ISDN Electronic Key Telephone Service" (TR-TSY-000205); (vi) "ISDN Access Call Control Switching And Signaling Requirements" (TR-TSY-000268); (vii) "Generic Guidelines For ISDN Terminal Equipment On Basic Access Interfaces" (SR-NWT-001953); (viii) "ISDN Layer 3 Protocol Details For The Support Of Supplementary Services" (TR-TSY-000861); (ix) "ISDN Hold Capability For Managing Multiple Independent Calls" (TR-TSY-000856); (x) "Additional Call Offering For Managing Multiple Independent Calls" (TR-TSY-000857); and (xi) "Flexible Calling For Managing Multiple Independent Calls" (TR-TSY-000858). Furthermore, the Digital European Cordless Technology (DECT) European Telecom Standards Institute (DE/DES 300 175), has been referenced with respect to the radio interface and is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 1 is a partial diagrammatic view illustrating the basic conceptual operation of the wireless digital personal communications system 10 of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the wireless digital PCS 10 of the present invention utilizes the novel combination of a plurality of intelligent portable handset terminal(s) 12, or similar device(s), (also referred to as either portable handset terminal(s), or handset terminals, or terminals), a plurality of radio cell base station(s) 14 (also referred to as either intelligent base stations, or base stations, or IBS), PCS Switching Center 16 (including advanced intelligent network switche(s) and associated system(s)), and Service Control Point 18 to allow the PCS the capability of voice/data/image two-way calling, using radio cells 20, each radio cell have a predetermined area of coverage (i.e., to those skilled in the art the size of a radio cell includes, but is not limited to, a radio cell that has a radius up to, but not limited to, about 1 mile), and intercell hand-off provided through distributed logic resident in the intelligent portable handset terminals, as well as in the intelligent base stations and in the public switched telephone network 22 (or any switched network). The portable handset terminal 12 is a transmit and receive device that communicates with the intelligent base station.

The simplified PCS architecture utilizes standard ISDN network interfaces, a centralized database, and distributed logic or intelligence resident in the PCS radio portable handset terminals, the intelligent base stations, and the PCS Switching Center to provide a flexible system. Direct connections between the PCS Switching Center and the intelligent base stations allows small PCS intelligent base stations to be easily positioned in almost any location without sacrificing functionality. The primary physical components of the PCS system architecture include: (i) a plurality of radio cell portable handset terminals, essentially representing a phone, with associated logic to allow the portable handset terminal to register with an intelligent base station when entering a coverage zone (i.e., the intelligent base station which has a better, higher quality signal, and available channels), and initiates a hand-off when required; (ii) a plurality of intelligent base stations (e.g., indoor/outdoor base stations), which provide the radio access along with the corresponding ISDN interface to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), with distributed logic between the intelligent base stations and the PSTN such that no centralized real-time controller is required; (iii) a PCS Switching Center (PSC), essentially, a central office equipped with National ISDN and AIN hardware and software, with the hand-off between two adjacent radio cells being accomplished at the PSC as a result of the simplified architecture for the personal communications system; (iv) a Signaling Transfer Point (STP), essentially, a signaling node for a Signaling System 7 (SS7) network signaling software and hardware; (v) a plurality of Service Control Points, which are essentially a PSTN database equipped with SS7 and AIN and additional software which maintains the PCS user's service feature capabilities and up-to-date current user location by intelligent base station for routing incoming calls; and (vi) a PCS Control Center (PCC), a center with computer and control systems performing administrative, provisioning, network management, and customer service functions.

Throughout the overall system, the PCS system utilizes the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) access lines and the Intelligent Network to provide the required hand-off(s) between adjacent radio cells, to deliver incoming calls to a specific radio cell, to provide registration of a portable handset terminal, and provide the portable handset terminal number for the portable handset terminal on call origination.

The radio cell portable handset terminal for the personal communications system provides high-quality digital voice communications, automatic location registration and intercell hand-off control.

At various locations throughout the personal communications system, the intelligent base stations provide the Radio Frequency (RF) link to the PCS portable handset terminals for accessing the PSTN. Additionally, the intelligent base stations are ISDN compatible and further provide radio channel management for incoming and outgoing calling, automatic channel selection, and incoming call alerting, and will collect operating and usage statistics. To allow the portable handset terminal to be used either at home or in the office, the intelligent base stations link the portable handset terminal to the PSTN.

The intelligent base stations are located either indoors or outdoors on buildings, street lights or utility poles throughout the coverage area. Each intelligent base station supports simultaneous conversations and provides handset access security, auto channel selection, billing data and built-in diagnostics. ISDN lines link the intelligent base stations to the telephone switched network.

The personal communications system control center (PCC), through comprehensive computer and dedicated control systems, is capable of performing portable handset terminal and intelligent base station provisioning, network management, specified customer service functions, and operate to control and administer the intelligent base stations and portable handset terminals throughout the personal communications system.

The PSTN has three main components, namely, (i) the PSC (a PCS Switching Center) with ISDN, where telephone central office switches equipped with National ISDN-1 and intelligent Network hardware and software; (ii) the Signaling Transfer Point (STP), which provides communications between the STP and the Service Control Point though suitable SS7 links, and (iii) the Service Control Point, where an intelligent network database exists maintaining user features records and user location. ISDN lines provide PSTN access for the PCS. The PSC performs traditional switching, routing and control functions. In addition, the telephone switch completes the hand-off between radio cells, when directed to do so by the portable terminal handset and intelligent base station. Standard ISDN signaling messages are converted to TCAP messages and directed to the Service Control Point by the STP for the PCS.

The PCS of the present invention creates certain system wide variables, namely, Registration, Authentication, Call Origination, Incoming Call, Hand-Off, Call Features, and Roaming.

Registration.

Generally, each portable handset terminal must be registered to allow the PSTN to locate the portable handset terminal for incoming calls. Registrations will take place when the portable handset terminal powers "on" in a radio cell, or receives a better or higher quality signal from a different zone. A zone may have multiple intelligent base stations. Registration will be performed according to class of service. If the portable handset terminal does not have two-way services, registration will not take place. When the portable handset terminal requests a registration it sends a location request message along with the portable handset terminal's identity. The intelligent base station formats a non-call message with the location request and portable handset terminal telephone number and PCS provider ID to be sent to the PCS Switching Center. The PCS Switching Center receives the message and performs a look-up on the access line and correlates that access line to its related zone number. The zone number is globally unique. The PCS Switching Center has a table within its data base that has all the intelligent base stations access line numbers and associated zone numbers. This affords the ability to broadcast to all intelligent base stations in a zone to locate a particular portable handset terminal, rather than track portable handset terminals to a particular intelligent base station. In some cases, however, a zone may be a single base station. The portable handset terminal can roam from one intelligent base station to another intelligent base station within a zone and not require registration. The PCS Switching Center formats a registration message with the portable handset terminal's identity. The message is now sent to the Service Control Point for registration. The Service Control Point temporarily stores the portable handset terminal information in its data base. The Service Control Point will now request an authentication of the portable handset terminal. This function is performed to verify that the portable handset terminal is allowed to use this PCS provider's network.

Authentication.

Generally, the Service Control Point will request authentication of the portable handset terminal upon request for registration, call origination, and incoming call. The Service Control Point determines the user authentication key (UAK) from the providers data base. The UAK is a secret key or password which is known only to the portable handset terminal and the Service Control Point. Various algorithms can be used for purposes of authentication.

Call Origination.

Generally, the portable handset terminal requests call origination. When this occurs, the portable handset terminal transmits a service request with the portable handset terminal identity to the intelligent base station. The intelligent base station receives the message with the portable handset terminal's identity. The intelligent base station formats the service request message to be forwarded to the PCS Switching Center. The PCS Switching Center receives the message and updates the activity block associated with the selected access line to indicate that the portable handset terminal is on an active call. The PCS Switching Center sends the service request with the portable handset terminal identity to the Service Control Point. The Service Control Point receives the request and initiates the authentication process for the portable handset terminal. The same authentication procedure is performed as described elsewhere herein.

After the Service Control Point compares RES1 and XRES1 and a match is found, a service acknowledgement message with the portable handset terminal identity and DCK is prepared and sent to the PCS Switching Center. The PCS Switching Center, upon receipt of the message, stores the DCK in the appropriate activity block holding the received portable handset terminal identity. The PCS Switching Center assembles a reply message with the portable handset terminal identity and DCK, provides dial-tone on the intelligent base station access line's "B" channel and sends the message to the intelligent base station. The intelligent base station receives the service reply from the PCS Switching Center and stores the DCK against the portable handset terminal's identity to cipher information between the portable handset terminal and the intelligent base station for this call. The intelligent base station sends the reply to the portable handset terminal along with dial-tone. Once the portable handset terminal receives dial-tone the portable handset terminal proceeds with the call. The call proceeds through the PCS Switching Center like any other call. At the end of the call, the connection is dropped and the portable handset terminal is back in a stand-by mode. All messages between intelligent base station and portable handset terminals are ciphered (as an option).

Incoming Call.

Generally, the interaction of each component comprises the system for PCS. The intelligent base stations can be grouped in zones as to improve the ability to receive calls from the PSTN, although in some cases one base station may define a zone. In the case of incoming calling, the Service Control Point will maintain the location of the portable handset terminal by using the registration information received at the last time of registration. Once the routing number is found for the PCS user, the Service Control Point will send an SS7 message to the PCS Switching Center. This message will prompt the PCS Switching Center to look up the intelligent base station zone routing number. The PCS Switching Center will then send the message to all the intelligent base stations in that zone. When the portable handset terminal is found the portable handset terminal responds back through the intelligent base station and PCS Switching Center to the Service Control Point. The Service Control Point will then request authentication of the portable handset terminal. In the authentication process, the Service Control Point will route the request to the PCS Switching Center and the intelligent base station to the portable handset terminal. When the portable handset terminal calculates the result of the authentication algorithm, the portable handset terminal transmits the result back to the Service Control Point. If the authentication process is accepted, the Service Control Point will send a cipher key to the intelligent base station. The cipher key will be used for ciphering messages between the portable handset terminal and the intelligent base station. The messages (e.g., conversations) will not be ciphered over the PSTN network. At the same time the incoming call will be routed to the portable handset terminal through an alerting process and a connect process.

Hand-Off.

Generally, during a stable call when the PCS user walks toward the end of the radio cell coverage area, the portable handset terminal may detect a better, higher quality signal from another intelligent base station. When this occurs, the portable handset terminal initiates a hand-off. Between the portable handset terminal and the new intelligent base station (IBS2), hand-off begins. IBS2 sends a message to the PCS Switching Center to request hand-off. The PCS Switching Center allocates a three port bridge for the hand-off between IBS1 and IBS2 access lines. The PCS Switching Center sends the acknowledgement to IBS2 along with DCK. DCK is sent to the new intelligent base station so it can send and receive messages from the portable handset terminal in a ciphered mode. The PCS Switching Center attaches the call to IBS2 access line, then sends the hand-off request to the old intelligent base station IBS1. IBS1 receives the message and accepts the hand-off. Once the three way connection is established, the portable handset terminal issues a disconnect command to IBS1. The call is now stable on IBS2.

Call Features.

Generally, during the process of receiving a call, the PCS subscriber has options which may determine the call routing on a "no-answer", "busy", or "PCS user not found". Voice Mail allows a PCS user to forward unanswered incoming calls to a commercial voice mail system. Callers can automatically leave messages in response to a personal announcement from a PCS user. The calling party can receive "busy" tone if the PSC user is currently using the portable handset terminal. If the user cannot be found, the call can be transferred to an announcement indicating the status of the PCS user. The intelligent base station will send the PCS Switching Center a message indicating the status of what the intelligent base station found pertaining to the call.

Roaming.

Generally, roaming service will be available to PCS subscribers; this will allow the user to roam out of the service area and still be capable of making and receiving calls from another service provider. For authentication, information from the PCS users regular Service Control Point will be required. The functions are the same as for calls made in their own service area. The PSTN will route messages and verify validity of the calls before the PCS user can receive a call or originate a call.

Radio Interface.

The PCS of the present invention is fully compatible with any and all radio interfaces that have a signaling control channel and a message content channel. PCS facilitates call handling and radio cell-to-radio cell hand-off.

PCS Network Facilities.

The messaging and conversations are transmitted over standard National ISDN facilities. Basic Rate ISDN Interfaces are comprised of two "B" channels and one "D" channel for signaling the ISDN interface between the intelligent base station and the PCS Switching Centers; Primary Rate ISDN Interfaces are comprised of twenty three "B" channels and one "D" channel for signaling the ISDN interface between the intelligent base station and the PCS Switching Centers. Messages sent between PCS Switching Center and the Service Control Point will utilize SS7 facilities.

Generally speaking with respect to synchronization of the PCS, some radio technologies may require synchronization to prevent adjacent base station radio frequency interference, and provide smooth hand-off. These conditions may require multiple synchronization techniques namely, (i) superframe frequency synchronization, and (ii) adjacent base station zero reference phase synchronization. With respect to (i) supra., the superframe frequency synchronization is accomplished by the radio cell alignment of the air interface superframe frequency synchronization with the ISDN Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) superframe frequency synchronization (4096 KHz). The DSL superframe frequency synchronization is aligned with the PSTN superframe frequency synchronization. The DSL superframe frequency synchronization is consistent with the requirements in American National Standards Institute (ANSI) T1.601. The PSTN superframe frequency synchronization is consistent with the requirements in Synchronization Interface Standards for Digital Networks (ANSI T1.101-1987). This superframe frequency synchronization alignment of the air interface for all radio cells connected to the PSTN provides superframe frequency synchronization back to a common source. With respect to (ii) supra., the adjacent radio cell zero reference phase synchronization can be accomplished using time base capabilities associated With several technologies (individually or in combination with other technologies). A brief listing of various zero reference synchronization techniques utilizing these technologies include: (i) radio frequency overlapping of cell radii; (ii) commercial television broadcast signal; (iii) global position satellites and time base receivers; and (iv) PSTN wireless connectivity.

FIG. 2 is a system flowchart illustration the total system functionality of the wireless digital personal communications system 10 of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, beginning with Start block 30, the portable handset terminal is tested to determine if the portable handset terminal is "on", or not, by the test in the Terminal On block 32. If the portable handset terminal is determined to be "on", the portable handset terminal is then tested to determine if the portable handset terminal is in a new zone, or not, by the test in the Terminal New Zone block 34. If the portable handset terminal is "off", the PCS will continue testing through the Terminal On block 32 until the portable handset terminal is eventually found to be "on" in accordance with block 32.

Once the portable handset terminal is determined to be "on", the portable handset terminal is tested to determine if the terminal is in a new zone by the test in the Terminal New Zone block 34. If the answer is affirmative, indicating that the portable handset terminal is in a new zone, then the Request Registration/Route Message To IBS/PSC/SCP routine in block 36 is initialized to request registration. After the Request Registration/Route Message To IBS/PSC/SCP routine in block 36 is completed, the routine SCP Request Authentication/Authentication OK/Registration Terminal in block 38 is initialized to authenticate terminal. After the SCP Request Authentication/Authentication OK/Registration Terminal routine in block 38 is completed, the PCS will continue testing through the Terminal On block 32 until the portable handset terminal is eventually found to be "on" in accordance with block 32.

If the portable handset terminal is determined not to be in a new zone, then the portable handset terminal is tested for the presence of an active call by the Terminal Active Call test in block 40. If the answer to the Terminal Active Call test in block 40 is negative, indicating that the portable handset terminal does not have an active call, then the portable handset terminal is tested to determine if the portable handset terminal is terminating a call by the Terminal Terminating Call test in block 54.

If the answer to the Terminal Active Call test in block 40 is affirmative, indicating that the portable handset terminal has an active call, then the portable handset terminal is immediately tested to determine if the portable handset terminal is requesting a radio cell hand-off by the Terminal Requesting Hand-off test in block 42. If the answer to the Terminal Requesting Hand-off test in block 42 is negative, indicating that the portable handset terminal is not requesting a radio cell hand-off, the PCS will continue testing through the Terminal On block 32 until the portable handset terminal is eventually found to be "on" in accordance with block 32. If the answer to the Terminal Requesting Hand-off test in block 42 is affirmative, indicating that the portable handset terminal is requesting a radio cell hand-off, then the Request Hand-off IBS2 routine in block 44 is initialized to begin hand-off. After the Request Hand-off IBS2 routine in block 44 is completed, the IBS2 Receive Request/Forward routine in block 46 is initialized to forward request to PCS Switching Center. After the IBS2 Receive Request/Forward routine in block 46 is completed, the PSC Setup Acknowledgement To IBS1 routine in block 48 is initialized to inform IBS1 of hand-off. After the PSC Setup Acknowledgement To IBS1 routine in block 48 is completed, the PSC Bridge Call routine in block 50 is initialized to bridge the call. After the PSC Bridge Call routine in block 50 is completed, the PSC Connect Call/Drop IBS1 routine in block 52 is initialized to drop bridge to IBS1. Thereafter, the PCS will continue testing through the Terminal On block 32 until the portable handset terminal is eventually found to be "on" in accordance with block 32.

If the answer to the Terminal Active Call test in block 40 is negative, indicating that the portable handset terminal does not have an active call, then the portable handset terminal is tested to determine if the portable handset terminal terminating a call by the Terminal Terminating Call test in block 54. If the answer to the Terminal Terminating Call test in block 54 is affirmative, indicating that the portable handset terminal is receiving a call, then the Incoming SCP Locate Terminal routine in block 56 is initialized to locate portable handset terminal.

If the answer to the Terminal Terminating Call test in block 54 is negative, indicating that the portable handset terminal is not terminating a call, then the portable handset terminal is tested to determine if the portable handset terminal is originating a call by the Terminal Originating Call test in block 58. If the answer to the Terminal Originating Call test in block 58 is negative, indicating that the portable handset terminal is not originating a call, then the PCS will continue testing through the Terminal On block 32 until the portable handset terminal is eventually found to be "on" in accordance with block 32. If the answer to the Terminal Originating Call test in block 58 is positive, indicating that the terminal is originating a call, the Terminal Request Call Origination To IBS routine in block 60 is initialized to request call origination. After the Terminal Request Call Origination To IBS routine in block 60 is completed, the IBS Receive Message Format/Send To PSC routine in block 62 is initialized to format and send message to PSC. After the IBS Receive Message Format/Send To PSC routine in block 62 is completed, the PSC Receive Message Format/Send To SCP routine in block 64 is initialized to format and send request to the Service Control Point. After the PSC Receive Message Format/Send To SCP routine in block 64 is completed, the SCP Request Authentication routine in block 66 is initialized to authenticate portable handset terminal. After the SCP Request Authentication routine in block 66 is completed, the Authentication OK Send Routing Information To PSC routine in block 68 is initialized to send routing information to PSC. After the Authentication OK Send Routing Information To PSC routine in block 68 is completed, the PSC Route Call routine in block 70 is initialized to route the call. After the PSC Route Call routine in block 70 is completed, the Call Connect routine in block 72 is initialized to connect the called and calling parties. After the Call Connect routine in block 72 is completed, the PCS will continue testing through the Terminal On block 32 until the portable handset terminal is eventually found to be "on" in accordance with block 32.

After the Incoming SCP Locate Terminal routine in block 56 is completed, the location of the terminal is tested for by the Locate Terminal test in block 74. If the answer is negative, the PCS will continue testing through the Terminal On block 32 until the portable handset terminal is eventually found to be "on" in accordance with block 32. If the answer is affirmative, the SCP Request Terminal Authentication routine in block 76 is initialized to request portable handset terminal authentication. After the SCP Request Terminal Authentication routine in block 76 is completed, the Authentication OK routine in block 78 is initialized to compare results of the portable handset terminal with the expected result from the Service Control Point. After the Authentication OK routine in block 78 is completed, the PSC Look-up Routing IBS Number routine in block 80 is initialized to determine route number for incoming call. After the PSC Look-up Routing IBS Number routine in block 80 is completed, the PSC Broadcast To IBS In-Zone routine in block 82 is initialized to broadcast a signal to all intelligent base stations in zone. After the PSC Broadcast To IBS In Zone routine in block 82 is completed, the IBS Broadcast To Terminal routine in block 84 is initialized to locate portable handset terminal.

After the IBS Broadcast To Terminal routine in block 84 is competed, the area is tested to determine if a terminal is present within the area by the Terminal In Area test in block 86. If the answer to the Terminal In Area test of block 86 is positive, indicating that a terminal is present in the particular area, the Terminal Respond Call Connect routine in block 88 is initialized to indicate portable handset terminal location and connect call. After the Terminal Respond Call Connect routine in block 88 is completed, the PCS will continue testing through the Terminal On block 32 until the portable handset terminal is eventually found to be "on" in accordance with block 32. If the answer to the Terminal In Area test of block 86 is negative, indicating that no terminal is in the particular area, the Route Call/Play Announcement routine in block 90 is initialized to indicate no portable handset terminal found. After the Route Call/Play Announcement routine in block 90 is completed, the PCS will continue testing through the Terminal On block 32 until the portable handset terminal is eventually found to be "on" in accordance with block 32.

FIG. 3 is a system flowchart illustrating the particular functionality of the distributed logic which is resident in the portable handset terminals associated with the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, beginning with Start block 30, the portable handset terminal is tested to determine if the portable handset terminal is "on", or not, by the test in the Terminal On block 32. If the portable handset terminal is "off", the PCS will continue testing through the Terminal On block 32 until the portable handset terminal is eventually found to be "on" in accordance with block 32. If the portable handset terminal is determined to be "on", the portable handset terminal is then tested to determine if the portable handset terminal detects a better, higher quality signal with an intelligent base station having available channels (or not), by the test in the Detect Stronger Signal block 1. If the portable handset terminal does not detect a better, higher quality signal, the PCS will continue testing through the Terminal On block 32 until the portable handset terminal eventually detects a better, higher quality signal in accordance with block 1.

When the portable handset terminal detects a better, higher quality signal at block 1, the portable handset terminal tests to determine if a new zone is involved at that point by the test in the Different Zone block 3. If the portable handset terminal does not determine that a different zone is involved, the PCS will continue testing through the Terminal On block 32 until the portable handset terminal eventually determines that a different zone is involved in accordance with block 3. If the answer to block 3 is affirmative, indicating that the portable handset terminal has determined that a different zone is involved, then the Register and Authenticate routine in block 5 is initialized to begin requesting that the portable handset terminal be registered and authenticated. After the Register and Authenticate routine in block 5 is completed, the portable handset terminal tests to determine if the portable handset terminal is originating a call by the test in the Handset Originate Call block 7. If the answer to block 7 is negative, indicating that the portable handset terminal is not originating a call, then the portable handset terminal is tested to determine if portable handset terminal is presently on an existing call by the test in the Handset On Existing Call block 11. If the answer to block 7 is affirmative, indicating that the portable handset terminal is originating a call, then the Receive Dial Tone and Make Call routine in block 9 is initialized to begin requesting a dial-tone and allow the portable handset terminal to make a call.

After the Receive Dial Tone and Make Call routine in block 9 is completed, the portable handset terminal is tested to determine if the portable handset terminal is presently on an existing call by the test in the Handset On Existing Call block 11. If the answer to the Handset On Existing Call test in block 11 is negative, indicating that the portable handset terminal does not have an existing call, the portable handset terminal is tested to determine if there is an incoming call for the portable handset terminal by the test in the Incoming Call block 21. If the answer to the Handset On Existing Call test in block 11 is affirmative, indicating that the portable handset terminal does have an existing call, the portable handset terminal is tested to determine if there is a hand-off required for the portable handset terminal by the test in the Hand-Off Required block 13. If the answer to the Hand-Off Required test in block 13 is affirmative, indicating that the portable handset terminal requires a hand-off, then the Receive Stronger Signal From New IBS routine in block 15 is initialized to begin receiving a better, higher quality signal from new intelligent base station. After the Receive Stronger Signal From New IBS routine in block 15 is completed, the portable handset terminal then initializes the Send Hand-Off Request To New IBS routine in block 17 to begin sending a hand-off to new intelligent base station. After the Send Hand-Off Request To New IBS routine in block 17 is completed, the portable handset terminal then initializes the Send Disconnect To Old IBS Now Call On New IBS routine in block 19 to begin disconnecting from the old intelligent base station and call on the new intelligent base station. After the Send Disconnect To Old IBS Now Call On New IBS routine is completed, the portable handset terminal then again tests to determine if the portable handset terminal is on an existing call by the Handset On Existing Call test in block 11.

If the answer to the Incoming Call test in block 21 is negative, indicating that the portable handset terminal does not have an incoming call, the PCS will continue testing through the Handset Power On block 32. If the answer to the Incoming Call test in block 21 is affirmative, indicating that the portable handset terminal does have an incoming call, then the Receive Registration and Authentication Request and Execute routine in block 23 is initialized to begin requesting that the portable handset terminal receive registration and authentication. After the Receive Registration and Authentication Request and Execute routine in block 23 is completed, the portable handset terminal then initializes the Receive Alerting Answer Call routine in block 25 to begin receiving any alerting to answer incoming call. After the Receive Alerting Answer routine in block 25 is completed, the portable handset terminal will again test to determine if the portable handset terminal is on an existing call by the Handset On Existing Call test in block 11.

After the portable handset terminal has its power turned "off" by the user, block 27, the portable handset terminal will end its interaction with the PCS until powered "on" again.

FIG. 4 is a system flowchart illustrating the particular functionality of the distributed logic which is resident in the intelligent base stations associated with the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, beginning with Start block 30, the intelligent base station begins by initializing the Send Signal Message Over The Air routine in block 31 to begin communicating with the portable handset terminals. After the Send Signal Message Over The Air routine in block 31 is completed, the intelligent base station is tested to determine if the intelligent base station has received a registration request from any of the portable handset terminals by the test in the Receive Registration Request block 33. If the answer to the Receive Registration Request test in block 33 is negative, indicating that the intelligent base station does not have a request for registration from a portable handset terminal, the intelligent base station will be tested to determine if the intelligent base station has received a call origination request from any of the portable handset terminals by the test in the Receive Call Origination Request block 41.

If the answer to the Receive Registration Request test in block 33 is affirmative, indicating that the intelligent base station does have a request for registration from a portable handset terminal, then the Receive Handset Registration Message routine in block 35 is initialized to begin receiving portable handset terminal registration message. After the Receive Handset Registration Message routine in block 35 is completed, the intelligent base station will then initialize the Forward Registration Message To PSC routine in block 37 to begin forwarding registration message to the PSC. After the Forward Registration Message To PSC routine in block 37 is completed, the intelligent base station will then initialize the Send And Receive Authentication Data And Store DCK routine in block 39 to begin sending and receiving the portable handset terminal authentication data and store the specific DCK number.

After the Send And Receive Authentication Data And Store DCK routine is completed, the intelligent base station is tested to determine if the intelligent base station has received a call origination request from any of the portable handset terminals by the test in the Receive Call Origination Request block 41. If the answer to the Receive Call Origination Request test in block 41 is affirmative, indicating that the intelligent base station does have a request for call origination from a portable handset terminal, then the Receive Call Request Message From Handset routine in block 43 is initialized to begin receiving call request message from a portable handset terminal. After the Receive Call Request Message From Handset routine in block 43 is completed, the intelligent base station will then initialize the S/R Registration Authentication Info Between Handset And PSC routine in block 45 to begin sending and receiving the detailed registration and authentication information between the portable handset terminal and PSC. After the S/R Registration Authentication Info Between Handset And PSC routine in block 45 is completed, the intelligent base station will then initialize the Pass Alerting Connection Messages Cipher Messages routine in block 47 to begin passing the detailed alerting connection messages and the cipher messages. After the Pass Alerting Connection Messages Cipher Messages routine in block 47 is completed, the intelligent base station again return to start block 30.

If the answer to the Receive Call Origination Request test in block 41 is negative, indicating that the intelligent base station does not have a request for call origination from a portable handset terminal, the intelligent base station will be tested to determine if the intelligent base station has received a hand-off request from any of the portable handset terminals by the test in the Receive Hand-Off Request block 49.

If the answer to the Receive Hand-Off Request test in block 49 is negative, indicating that the intelligent base station does not have a request for hand-off from a portable handset terminal, the intelligent base station will be tested to determine if the intelligent base station has received a call from the PSC by the test in the Receive Call From PSC block 59. If the answer to the Receive Hand-Off Request test in block 49 is affirmative, indicating that the intelligent base station has received a request for a hand-off from a portable handset terminal, the intelligent base station will then initialize the Send Hand-Off Request To PSC routine in block 51 to begin sending hand-off request to PSC. After the Send Hand-Off Request To PSC routine in block 51 is completed, the intelligent base station will then initialize the Receive Hand-Off Info From PSC routine in block 53 to begin receiving the detailed hand-off information. After the Receive Hand-Off Info from PSC routine in block 53 is completed, the intelligent base station will then initialize the New IBS Connect Call-Call Cipher Messages routine in block 55 to begin connection with a new intelligent base station and to obtain pertinent cipher messages detail. After the New IBS Connect Call-Call Cipher Messages routine in block 55 is completed, the intelligent base station will then initialize the Old IBS Disconnect Call routine in block 57 to begin disconnecting from an old intelligent base station. After the Old IBS Disconnect Call routine in block 57 is completed, the intelligent base station again return to start block 30.

If the answer to the Receive Hand-Off Request test in block 49 is negative, the intelligent base station will be tested to determine if the intelligent base station has received a call from the PSC by the test in the Receive Call From PSC block 59. If the answer to the Receive Call From PSC test in block 59 is affirmative, indicating that the intelligent base station has received a call from PSC, the intelligent base station will then initialize the Broadcast Location Message Over The Air routine in block 61 to begin broadcast location message over the air. After the Broadcast Location Message Over The Air routine in block 61 is completed, the intelligent base station will then initialize the Receive Response From Handset routine in block 63 to begin receiving a response from the portable handset terminals regarding the location message previously sent by the intelligent base station to the portable handset terminals. After the Receive Response From Handset routine in block 63 is completed, the intelligent base station will then initialize the Alerting Connect Call Cipher Messages routine in block 65 to begin alerting, connecting a call and cipher messages. After the Alerting Connect Call Cipher Messages routine in block 65 is completed, the intelligent base station again return to start block 30. If block 59 is negative, return to start block.

FIG. 5 is a system flowchart illustrating the particular functionality of the distributed logic which is resident in the public switched telephone network (or any switched network), associated with the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, beginning with Start block 30, the public switched telephone network begins by being tested to determine if the public switched telephone network has received a registration or authentication request from an intelligent base station by the test in the Receive Registration/Authentication Request block 67.

If the answer to the Receive Registration/Authentication Request test in block 67 is negative, indicating that the public switched telephone network has not received a request for registration/authentication from a intelligent base station, the public switched telephone network will be tested to determine if the public switched telephone network has received a call origination request from any of the intelligent base stations by the test in the Originate Call block 71. If the answer to the Receive Registration/Authentication Request test in block 67 is affirmative, indicating that the public switched telephone network has received a request for registration/authentication from an intelligent base station, then the Send Data To SCP Authenticate routine in block 69 is initialized to begin sending data to Service Control Point. After the Send Data To SCP Authenticate routine in block 69 is completed, the public switched telephone network will then be tested to determine if the PCS user is a valid PCS user by the test in the Valid User block 73.

If the answer to the Valid User test in block 73 is affirmative, indicating that the public switched telephone network does have a valid PCS user, then the SCP Register User routine in block 75 is initialized to have the public switched telephone network begin registering and authenticating user with the Service Control Point. After the SCP Register User routine in block 75 is completed, the public switched telephone network will then start the Send Data To PSC routine in block 77 to begin sending data to PSC. After the Send Data To PSC routine in block 77 is completed, the public switched telephone network will then initialize the PSC Store DCK Send Ack To IBS routine in block 79 to begin storing the DCK number and with an acknowledgment being sent by the public switched telephone network to the intelligent base station when finished. After the PSC Store DCK Send Ack To IBS routine in block 79 is completed, go to start block. If answer to valid user test in block 73 was "no", the PSTN will Send Ack Invalid User To IBS in block 81 to begin the acknowledgement of an invalid user being sent by the public switched telephone network to the intelligent base station.

If the answer to the Receive Registration/Authentication Request test in block 67 is negative, indicating that the public switched telephone network has not received a request for registration/authentication from a intelligent base station, the public switched telephone network will be tested to determine if the public switched telephone network has received a call origination request from any of the intelligent base stations by the test in the Originate Call block 71.

If the answer to the Originate Call test in block 71 is negative, indicating that the public switched telephone network does not a request for call origination from a intelligent base station, the public switched telephone network will be tested to determine if the public switched telephone network has received a call hand-off request from any of the intelligent base stations by the test in the Call Hand-Off block 83.

If the answer to the Originate Call test in block 71 is affirmative, indicating that the public switched telephone network does have a call origination request from an intelligent base station, then the Authenticate User routine in block 81 is initialized to begin authenticating the user for purposes of originating a call. After the Authenticate User routine in block 81 is completed, the public switched telephone network will then be tested to determine if the PCS user is a valid PCS user by the test in the Valid User block 85.

If the answer to the Valid User test in block 85 is affirmative, indicating that the public switched telephone network does have a valid PCS user, then the Accept Dial Digits routine in block 87 is initialized to have the public switched telephone network begin accepting the dialed digits of the user's call. After the Accept Dial Digits routine in block 87 is completed, the public switched telephone network will then initialize the Route Call Connect/Alerting Cipher Messages routine in block 89 to begin routing and connect the call, and alerting the intelligent base stations with respect to the cipher messages. After the Route Call Connect/Alerting Cipher Messages routine in block 89 is completed, the public switched telephone network will again return to start block 30.

If the answer to the Valid User Test in block 85 is negative, indicating that the public switched telephone network does not have a valid PCS user, then the Send Negative Ack To IBS routine in block 91 is initialized to have the public switched telephone network begin sending a negative acknowledgement to the intelligent base station with respect to the invalid status of the PCS user. After the Send Negative Ack To IBS routine in block 91 is completed, the public switched telephone network will again return to start block 30.

If the answer to the Call Hand-off test in block 83 is negative, indicating that the public switched telephone network does not a request for call hand-off from a intelligent base station, the public switched telephone network will be tested to determine if the public switched telephone network has received a call hand-off request from any of the intelligent base stations by the test in the Incoming Call block 94.

If the answer to the Call Hand-Off test in block 83 is affirmative, indicating that the public switched telephone network does have a call hand-off request from an intelligent base station, then the PSC Receive Hand-Off Request From IBS routine in block 93 is initialized to begin having the PSC receive the hand-off request for purposes of handing-off a call. After the PSC Receive Hand-Off Request From IBS routine in block 93 is completed, the public switched telephone network will then initialize the Set-Up Conference Bridge routine in block 95 to bridge the call during actual hand-off from one intelligent base station to another intelligent base station. After the Set-Up Conference Bridge routine in block 95 is completed, the public switched telephone network will then initialize the Call Stable On New IBS Cipher Messages routine in block 97 to begin to stabilize the call on the new intelligent base station and to begin to cipher messages. After the Call Stable On New IBS Cipher Messages routine in block 97 is completed, the public switched telephone network will then initialize the Receive Disconnect Message For Old IBS routine in block 99 to begin to receiving the disconnect message from the old intelligent base station involved in the hand-off. After the Receive Disconnect Message For Old IBS routine in block 99 is completed, the public switched telephone network will then initialize the Disconnect Call From Old IBS routine in block 92 to begin disconnecting call from the old intelligent base station that is involved in the hand-off. After the Disconnect Call From Old IBS routine in block 92 is completed, the public switched telephone network will again return to start block 30.

If the answer to the Call Hand-Off test in block 83 is negative, indicating that the public switched telephone network has not received a request for call hand-off from a intelligent base station, the public switched telephone network will be tested to determine if the public switched telephone network has received an incoming call from any of the intelligent base stations by the test in the Incoming Call block 94. If the answer to the Incoming Call test in block 94 is negative, indicating that the public switched telephone network does not have an incoming call from an intelligent base station, the public switched telephone network will again return to start block 30. If the answer to the Incoming Call test in block 94 is affirmative, indicating that the public switched telephone network does have an incoming call from an intelligent base station, then the SCP Locate PCS User routine in block 96 is initialized to begin having the SCP locate the PCS user. After the SCP Locate PCS User routine in block 96 is completed, the public switched telephone network will then initialize the PSC Look-Up IBS's In Zone routine in block 98 to begin looking up which intelligent base stations are in the zone where the PCS user is located. After the PSC Look-Up IBS's Zone routine in block 98 is completed, the public switched telephone network will then initialize the Broadcast To IBS In Zone routine in block 100 to begin broadcasting to the intelligent base station in the particular zone where the PCS user is located. After the Broadcast To IBS In Zone routine in block 100 is completed, the public switched telephone network will then be tested to determine if the public switched telephone network has found the PCS user by the test in the PCS User Found block 102.

If the answer to the PCS User Found test in block 102 is negative, indicating that the public switched telephone network has not yet found the location of the PCS user, the public switched telephone network will initialize the Route To Voice Mail/Record Message/Alternate Number routine in block 106 to begin to route the call to voice mail, record message, and see if an alternate number is available for the PCS user. After the Route To Voice Mail/Record Message/Alternate Number routine in block 106 is completed, the public switched telephone network will again return to start block 30.

If the answer to the PCS User Found test in block 102 is affirmative, indicating that the public switched telephone network has found the location of the PCS user, then the Connect Call Cipher Messages routine in block 104 is initialized to begin connecting the call to the PCS user and ciphering the messages. After the Connect Call Cipher Messages routine in block 104 is completed, the public switched telephone network will again return to start block 30.

FIG. 6 is a time sequence diagrammatic flowchart illustrating registration of an intelligent portable handset terminal in the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention with respect to the detail call and signaling flows. FIG. 6 illustrates a portable handset terminal registering while in its home serving area. The home serving area is comprised of one or more zones (which in turn consist of one or more intelligent base stations). The portable handset terminal registers to a zone, thus it only needs to reregister if it detects a better, higher quality signal from an intelligent base station in a new zone. As part of the registration process, a private key-based authentication procedure is used to authenticate the portable handset terminal.

The registration process is initiated when the portable handset terminal sends a registration request with its identity to an intelligent base station. The intelligent base station in turn sends the request to the PSC. The intelligent base station identifies the appropriate Base Station Routing Number of the zone serving the portable handset terminal, and correspondingly sends a query, via the PSC, to the Service Control Point with this information and the portable handset terminal's identity. The Service Control Point retrieves the appropriate information for the portable handset terminal and initiates authentication as described in the next flow. If the authentication is successful the Service Control Point records the registration (i.e., the intelligent Base Station Routing Number serving the terminal). The Service Control Point then sends a positive response to the initial query which is forwarded to the portable handset terminal. If the portable handset terminal fails the challenge, the Service Control Point returns a failure indication along with the reason for failure.

Referring to FIG. 6, at time sequence event A1, the portable handset terminal detects a better, higher quality signal from a different zone, or is powered on and requests a location update. The portable handset terminal prepares a location request message for the intelligent base station. Automatic terminal registration will not occur for portable handset terminals that have one-way outgoing class of service. At time sequence event A2, the portable handset terminal sends its identity to the intelligent base station as part of the location request message. The identity consists of PCSPID (PCS Provider ID), the terminal's number, and the universal personal telephone number (UPT), if available. At time sequence event A3, the intelligent base station receives the location request message from a portable handset terminal and determines that the handset terminal desires to register. This message contains the terminal's identity (Terminal Number, Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID) and UPT). At time sequence event A4, the intelligent base station sends an ISDN non-call associated registration message to the PSC. This message contains the portable handset terminal's identity (Terminal Number, Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID), Operation Code, Base Station Routing Number and, UPT [optional]). At time sequence event A5, the PSC receives the registration message and, if the Base Station Routing Number is not received, determines the associated base station routing number. At time sequence event A6, the PSC sends an AIN registration message to the Service Control Point. This message includes the portable handset terminal's identity (Terminal Number, Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID), Operation Code, and UPT) and the Base Station Routing Number. At time sequence event A7, the Service Control Point receives the message and determines that it is a registration request and performs the authentication and security process. At the conclusion of the process, the Service Control Point continues with the registration. At time sequence event A8, the Service Control Point sends an AIN registration reply message to the PSC. The message contains the Terminal Number and the Base Station Routing Number, the registration acknowledgment (or alternatively, an indication of failure and reason). At time sequence event A8a, if necessary, the Service Control Point sends an AIN deregistration message to the current Visited Service Control Point to deregister the portable handset terminal. This message contains the Terminal Number, PCSPID, and UPT (optional). At time sequence event A8b, the Visited Service Control Point receives the deregistration message and deregisters the portable handset terminal in its local database. At time sequence event A8c, the Visited Service Control Point sends an AIN deregistration acknowledgement message to the Service Control Point. At time sequence event A9, the PSC receives the message. At time sequence event A10, the PSC sends an ISDN non-call associated registration reply message to the intelligent base station. The message contains the Terminal Number, the Base Station Routing Number, and the registration acknowledgment. At time sequence event A11, the intelligent base station receives the message. At time sequence event A12, the intelligent base station sends the location response message to the portable handset terminal. At time sequence event A13, the portable handset terminal lights an "in service" indicator.

For the specific functional message requirements for portable handset terminal registration, see Appendix I, attached hereto and made a part hereof.

With respect to Appendix I, the message elements found therein pertaining to FIGS. 6-16, are included for the purposes of deriving the necessary PCS functionality. Other information elements that are pertaining to ISDN, ISUP, AIN, TCAP and air interface (i.e., radio interface) are not shown but continue to be mandatory to achieve PCS continuity. Protocol discriminators, message type, and message length components are not accounted for in the size of the information, and may be variable in length.

FIG. 7 is a time sequence diagrammatic flowchart illustrating authentication of an intelligent portable handset terminal, and security key derivation, in the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention with respect to the detail call and signaling flows for authentication and security key derivation. FIG. 7 illustrates the private key authentication and security key derivation process used by the intelligent base station when the portable handset terminal is in the home serving area. It is actually a sub-flow which is used within the registration, call origination and incoming call flows. The authentication and security scheme uses a challenge-response mechanism which is initiated in the Service Control Point as part of another flow.

The process is based on the Service Control Point performing a series of calculations based on private information it maintains for the portable handset terminal. It then sends the portable handset terminal a challenge to perform a parallel calculation (based on Service Control Point provided information) and return its answer. If the two results match, the portable handset terminal is authenticated. In addition, this shared information allows the Service Control Point and portable handset terminal to perform parallel calculations to derive the cipher key for encrypting the radio interface (i.e., the air interface).

Referring to FIG. 7, at time sequence event B1, the Service Control Point determines the need to authenticate the portable handset terminal; this is a result of a registration request, etc. The Service Control Point then (i) determines the user authentication key (UAK) from the provider's database; (ii) derives K from UAK using algorithm B1, and K is used for authentication and to derive the cipher key; (iii) obtains RS from the provider's database; (iv) derives KS from K and RS using the algorithm A11; (v) generates RAND₋₋ F using a random number generator; and (vi) derives XRES1 and the derived cipher key (DCK) from KS and RAND₋₋ F using algorithm A12. At time sequence event B2, the Service Control Point then sends an AIN authentication request message to the PSC. This message contains the portable handset terminal's identity (Terminal Number, Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID)), Base Station Routing Number, RS, RAND₋₋ F, and UPT (optional). At time sequence event B3, the PSC receives the message from Service Control Point. At time sequence event B4, the PSC sends an ISDN non-call associated Authentication request message to the intelligent base station. This message contains the portable handset terminal's identity (Terminal Number, Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID)), Base Station Routing Number, RS, RAND₋₋ F, and UPT (optional). At time sequence event B5, the intelligent base station receives the message from the PSC. At time sequence event B6, the intelligent base station sends an authentication request message to the portable handset terminal. This message contains RS and RAND₋₋ F. At time sequence event B7, the portable handset terminal receives the message from the intelligent base station and then the portable handset terminal (i) derives K from its UAK using algorithm B1; (ii) derives KS from K and RS (received from the Service Control Point) using algorithm A11; and (iii) derives RES1 and the derived cipher key (DCK) from KS and RAND₋₋ F using algorithm A12. At time sequence event B8, the portable handset terminal sends an authentication reply message to the intelligent base station. This message contains the derived RES1. At time sequence event B9, the intelligent base station sends an ISDN non-call associated authentication reply to the PSC. This message contains the derived RES1, the Base Station Routing Number, the Terminal Number, and the Operation Code. At time sequence event B10, the PSC receives the message from the IBS. At time sequence event B11, the PSC sends an AIN authentication reply message to the Service Control Point. This message contains the derived RES1, the Base Station Routing Number, Terminal Number, and Operation Code. At time sequence event B12, the Service Control Point receives the message from the PSC. The Service Control Point compares the RES1 value it receives with the previously calculated value XRES1. If they agree the portable handset terminal is authenticated. At this point, the process that initiated this authentication resumes (e.g., registration).

The B1 algorithm is explained in a certain DECT reference, which is hereby incorporated by reference (DECT document ETS 300 175-7: May 1992, Section 4.3, Page 17 et seq.). In similar manner, the A11 algorithm is explained in a certain DECT reference, which is hereby incorporated by reference (DECT Document ETS 300 175-7: May 1992, Section 4.3, Page 17 et seq). In similar manner, the A12 algorithm is explained in a certain DECT reference, which is hereby incorporated by reference (DECT Document ETS 300 175-7: May 1992, Section 4.3, Page 17 et seq).

For the specific functional message requirements for authentication and security key derivation, see Appendix I, attached hereto and made a part hereof.

FIG. 8 is a time sequence diagrammatic flowchart illustrating registration of an intelligent portable handset terminal in the roaming mode of operation (PCS Visited) in the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention with respect to the detail call and signaling flows for the terminal registration for roaming (PCS Visited). In this particular scenario, the portable handset terminal is registering while outside the home serving area. This requires the Visited Service Control Point to query the Home Service Control Point for information while also providing the Home Service Control Point pertinent registration information (i.e., the Base Station Routing Number). Additionally, as described in the Authentication and Security process for roaming, the Home Service Control Point returns information to the Visited Service Control Point in the registration response to allow the authentication and security process to take place. The Visited Service Control Point in turn stores a record of information about the portable handset terminal for the duration of the registration. This is necessary for subsequent call originations or to deliver incoming calls to the portable handset terminal.

Referring to FIG. 8, at time sequence event C1, the portable handset terminal detects a better, higher quality signal from a different zone, or is powered "on" and requests a location update. The portable handset terminal prepares a location request message for the intelligent base station. Automatic terminal registration will not occur for portable handset terminals that have one-way outgoing class of service. At time sequence event C2, the portable handset terminal sends its identity to the intelligent base station as part of the location request message. The identity consists of PCSPID (PCS Provider ID), Terminal Number, and UPT (optional). At time sequence event C3, the intelligent base station receives the message from a portable handset terminal and determines that the portable handset terminal desires to register and that the terminal is allowed to use the Network. This message contains the portable handset terminal's identity (Terminal Number, Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID), and UPT). At time sequence event C4, the intelligent base station sends an ISDN non-call associated registration message to the PSC. This message contains the portable handset terminal's identity (Terminal Number, Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID), Operation Code, Base Station Routing Number and UPT [optional]). At time sequence event C5, the PSC receives the registration message sent by the intelligent base station. If the intelligent base station did not send the Base Station Routing Number, the PSC determines the associated Base Station Routing Number. At time sequence event C6, the PSC sends an AIN registration message to the Visited Service Control Point. This message includes the portable handset terminal's identity (Terminal Number, Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID) and UPT [optional]), the Base Station Routing Number and the Operation Code. At time sequence event C7, the Visited Service Control Point receives the message sent by the PSC and the Visited Service Control Point determines from the service provider ID (PCSPID) that it does not maintain the home database for the portable handset terminal. At time sequence event C8, the Visited Service Control Point sends an IS41 session key request message to the Home Service Control Point. This message contains the portable handset terminal's identity (Terminal Number, Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID), UPT, and Base Station Routing Number (the routing number implicitly identifies the serving PCS provider). At time sequence event C9, the Home Service Control Point receives the message sent by the Visited Service Control Point. The Home Service Control Point develops the KS and RS values for the portable handset terminal, and the Home Service Control Point also updates the user's location to that of the Base Station Routing Number. At time sequence event C10, the Home Service Control Point sends an IS41 session key reply message to the Visited Service Control Point. This message contains RS and KS, along with terminal/user profile information. At time sequence event C10a, if necessary, the Home Service Control Point sends an IS41 deregistration message to any previously Visited Service Control Point to deregister the portable handset terminal. This message contains the PCSPID, the Terminal Number, and UPT (optional). At time sequence event C10b, the Visited Service Control Point receives the deregistration message from the Home Service Control Point. The Visited Service Control Point deregisters the portable handset terminal in its local database. At time sequence event C10c, the previously Visited Service Control Point sends an IS41 deregistration acknowledgement message to the Home Service Control Point. At time sequence event C11, the Visited Service Control Point receives the reply message and updates its database with the portable handset terminal/user's information (e.g., RS, KS, and profile information). The Visited Service Control Point then initiates and performs the authentication and security process, at the conclusion of which the Service Control Point continues with the registration. At time sequence event C12, the Service Control Point sends an AIN registration reply message to the PSC. The message contains the Terminal Number, Base Station Routing Number, and registration acknowledgment (or alternatively, an indication of failure and reason). At time sequence event C13, the PSC receives the message sent by the Service Control Point. At time sequence event C14, the PSC sends an ISDN non-call associated registration reply message to the intelligent base station. The message contains the registration acknowledgment, the Terminal Number and the Base Station Routing Number. At time sequence event C15, the intelligent base station receives the message sent by the PSC. This message contains the status of the registration request. At time sequence event C16, the intelligent base station sends a location response message to the portable handset terminal. At time sequence event C17, the portable handset terminal lights an "in service" indicator.

For the specific functional message requirements for intelligent portable handset terminal registration--roaming mode of operation (PCS Visited), see Appendix I, attached hereto and made a part hereof.

FIG. 9 is a time sequence diagrammatic flowchart illustrating authentication, of an intelligent portable handset terminal, and security key derivation, in the roaming mode of operation in the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention with respect to the detail call and signaling flows for authentication and security key derivation in the roaming mode of operation. The authentication and security process for roaming is a variation of the process used for portable handset terminals in their home serving area. This is driven by the registration of a roaming handset terminal and results in sufficient information being sent to the Visited Service Control Point for subsequent authentication and security processes to be run locally. Note that this does not preclude returning to the Home Service Control Point on occasion. For example, the information stored at the Visited Service Control Point may expire after a set period of time and require a query to the Home Service Control Point for new information. This allows the portable handset terminal to be authenticated locally (at the Visited Service Control Point) on call originations, call deliveries and subsequent registrations. The actual process for roaming authentication and security is initiated at the Home Service Control Point in response to a registration attempt by a Visited Service Control Point. The Home Service Control Point performs the same calculations as with the home serving area scenario and then sends the results and other limited information to the Visited Service Control Point to allow authentication of the portable handset terminal to be completed there. This limited information is specifically designed for this purpose and does not divulge any of the portable handset terminal's private information which remains known only to the portable handset terminal and Home Service Control Point.

Referring to FIG. 9, at time sequence event D1, the Visited Service Control Point determines the need to authenticate the portable handset terminal. This is as a result of a registration request, etc. Utilizing the values for RS and KS sent from the Home Service Control Point, the Visited Service Control Point then: (i) generates RAND₋₋ F using a random number generator; and then (ii) derives XRES1 and the derived cipher key (DCK) from KS and RAND₋₋ F using algorithm A12. At time sequence event D2, the Visited Service Control Point sends an AIN authentication request message to the PSC. This message contains the portable handset terminal's identity (Terminal Number, Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID) and UPT), RS, RAND₋₋ F and the Base Station Routing Number. At time sequence event D3, the PSC receives the message sent by the Visited Service Control Point. At time sequence event D4, the PSC sends an ISDN non-call associated authentication request message to the intelligent base station. This message contains the portable handset terminal's identity (Terminal Number, Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID) and UPT), RS, RAND₋₋ F and the Base Station Routing Number. At time sequence event D5, the intelligent base station receives the message sent by the PSC. At time sequence event D6, the intelligent base station sends an authentication request message to the portable handset terminal. This message contains RS and RAND₋₋ F. At time sequence event D7, the portable handset terminal receives the message sent by the IBS and then (i) derives K from its UAK using algorithm B1; (ii) derives KS from K and RS (received from the Service Control Point) using algorithm A11; and (iii) derives RES1 and the derived cipher key (DCK) from KS and RAND₋₋ F using algorithm A12. At time sequence event D8, the portable handset terminal sends an authentication reply message to the intelligent base station. This message contains the derived RES1. At time sequence event D9, the intelligent base station sends an ISDN non-call associated authentication reply message to the PSC. This message contains the derived RES1, the Base Station Routing Number, Terminal Number, and Operation Code. At time sequence event D10, the PSC receives the message sent by the intelligent base station. At time sequence event D11, the PSC sends an AIN authentication reply message to the Visited Service Control Point. This message contains the derived RES1, Base Station Routing Number, Terminal Number and Operation Code. At time sequence event D12, the Visited Service Control Point receives the message sent by the PSC. The Visited Service Control Point compares the RES1 value it receives with the previously calculated value XRES1; if they agree, the portable handset terminal is authenticated. At this point, the process that initiated this authentication resumes.

For the specific functional message requirements for authentication and security key derivation in the roaming mode of operation, see Appendix I, attached hereto and made a part hereof.

FIG. 10 is a time sequence diagrammatic flowchart illustrating call origination with respect to an intelligent portable handset terminal in the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention with respect to the detail call and signaling flows for call origination. This particular scenario illustrates an outgoing call from a portable handset terminal. The portable handset terminal initiates the call by sending a service request to an intelligent base station indicating the desire to originate a call. The intelligent base station sends a corresponding service request to the PSC, which in turn sends a service request query to the Service Control Point. The Service Control Point authenticates the portable handset terminal and validates the request. A positive response is passed back to the intelligent base station. The intelligent base station then establishes a "B" channel with the network (before responding to the terminal); this allows for dial-tone to be supplied by the network and correspondingly provides for overlap dialing by the user. Note, that this does not indicate that in-band tones are sent across the radio interface (i.e., the air interface). The intelligent base station performs a preliminary analysis on the dialed digits using a digit analysis table and then sends them to the PSC. The PSC triggers on the call origination and queries the Service Control Point. This trigger occurs on all calls originated from PCS interfaces with exceptions for calls to emergency services, etc. The Service Control Point validates the request and responds to the PSC.

Referring to FIG. 10, at time sequence event E1, the portable handset terminal requests call origination. At time sequence event E2, the portable handset terminal transmits a Setup Request message with its identity to the intelligent base station. The identity consists of its PCSPID, Terminal Number, and UPT (optional). At time sequence event E3, the intelligent base station receives the setup request message from the portable handset terminal and determines that the terminal desires to originate a call. This message contains the portable handset terminal's identity (Terminal Number, Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID) and UPT). At time sequence event E4, the intelligent base station sends an ISDN non-call associated service request message to the PSC. This message contains the portable handset terminal's identity (Terminal Number, Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID), channel identification, Base Station Routing Number, Operation Code, and UPT). At time sequence event E5, the PSC receives the request message sent by the intelligent base station. Alternatively, the PSC creates a record indicating the portable handset terminal is now active. This record is maintained until the user returns to the "idle" mode, and allows the PSC to treat subsequent incoming calls to active users appropriately. At time sequence event E6, the PSC sends an AIN Service Request message to the Service Control Point. This message includes the portable handset terminal's identity (Terminal Number, Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID) and UPT), Base Station Routing Number and Operation Code. At time sequence event E7, the Service Control Point receives the message sent by the PSC and determines that it is a service request and performs the authentication and security process, at the conclusion of which, the Service Control Point continues with the service request processing. At time sequence event E8, the Service Control Point sends an AIN service reply message to the PSC. The message contains the Terminal Number, derived cipher key (DCK), User Profile, a service request acknowledgment, Base Station Routing Number and Operation Code. At time sequence event E9, the PSC receives the message sent by the Service Control Point. Alternatively, if the PSC maintains a record of active calls, it may record the DCK at this point for future use (e.g., in support of hand-off). At time sequence event E10, the PSC sends an ISDN non-call associated Service Reply message to the intelligent base station. The message contains the handset Terminal Number, derived cipher key (DCK), Base Station Routing Number, Operation Code, and a service request acknowledgment. At time sequence event E11, the intelligent base station receives the message sent by the PSC and stores the DCK. At time sequence event E12, the intelligent base station sends a Cipher Enable message to the portable handset terminal. At time sequence event E13, the intelligent base station sends an ISDN Setup message to the PSC. This message contains the "B" channel for the call, PCSPID, calling party number (DN of the interface to the intelligent base station), and the Calling Party Subaddress ID (UPT number or Terminal Number). At time sequence event E14, the PSC receives the ISDN Setup message and allocates the "B" channel. Alternatively, if the PSC maintains a record of active calls, it may record the "B" channel allocation. This information would be maintained for future use (e.g., in support of hand-off). At time sequence event E15, the PSC sends an ISDN Setup Acknowledgement to the intelligent base station. At time sequence event E16, the intelligent base station receives the acknowledgment to indicate that the network is ready. It also cuts through the dial-tone to the portable handset terminal. At time sequence event E17, the intelligent base station sends a Setup Acknowledgement message to the portable handset terminal. This signals that dial-tone is on. At time sequence event E18, the portable handset terminal receives the message and dial-tone is heard by the user. The user either dials the number or, if the user already entered the digits, the portable handset terminal transmits the dialed digits in INFOmation messages to the intelligent base station. At time sequence event E19, the portable handset terminal sends one or more Information messages to the intelligent base station containing the dialed digits. At time sequence event E20, the intelligent base station receives the dialed digits and analyzes them via its digit analysis table and sends one or more ISDN information messages to the PSC containing the dialed digits. At time sequence event E21, the PSC receives the message(s) and turns "off" the dial-tone after receiving the first message. The PSC triggers at the Off-Hook Delay Trigger. The trigger criteria is all calls received at this interface (with an exceptions list). At time sequence event E22, the PSC sends an AIN Infomation Collected message to the Service Control Point. This message contains the Called Party ID, DN of the interface to the intelligent base station, the UPT number or Terminal Number. At time sequence event E23, the Service Control Point receives the message and validates the call origination attempt. At time sequence event E24, the Service Control Point sends an AIN Route Analyzed message to the PSC. The message contains the Called Party ID, Calling Party ID (Terminal Number or UPT number), charge number and station type, and primary carrier (ICN). If the user is not allowed to make the call, the Service Control Point sends an AIN Send₋₋ To₋₋ Resource message to direct the appropriate treatment. At time sequence event E25, the PSC receives the message sent by the Service Control Point. At time sequence event E26, the PSC sends an ISUP Initial Address Message to the called office. At time sequence event E27, the PSC also sends an ISDN Call Proceeding message to the intelligent base station. At time sequence event E28, an ISUP Address Complete message is sent from the far end to the PSC. At time sequence event E29, the PSC receives the message. At time sequence event E30, the PSC sends an ISDN Alerting message to the intelligent base station. The message indicates the ringing is supplied from the terminating switch. At time sequence event E31, the intelligent base station passes the ringing tone over the "B" channel to the portable handset terminal and sends an Alerting message. At time sequence event E32, an ISUP Answer message is sent from the far end. At time sequence event E33, the PSC receives the message. At time sequence event E34, the PSC sends an ISDN Connect message to the intelligent base station. At time sequence event E35, the intelligent base station receives the message. At time sequence event E36, the intelligent base station sends a Connect message to the portable handset terminal. At time sequence event E37, the intelligent base station also sends an ISDN Connect Acknowledge message to the PSC.

For the specific functional message requirements for intelligent portable handset terminal call origination, see Appendix I, attached hereto and made a part hereof.

FIG. 11 is a time sequence diagrammatic flowchart illustrating an incoming call to an intelligent portable handset terminal in the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention with respect to the detail call and signaling flows for an incoming call. Calls to a geographic or non-geographic number result in an initial trigger. This can be a 3, 6, or 10 digit trigger depending on the style of numbering that is used. The particular call and signaling flows begin with an InfoAnalyzed trigger. The initial trigger on the called number results in the dialed number being translated into the appropriate Base Station Routing Number, Terminal Number and Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID) by the Home Service Control Point. This is passed back to the PSC which sent the query and results in the call being forwarded to the PSC serving the portable handset terminal. The PSC serving the particular portable handset terminal receives the call for the Base Station Routing Number and initiates the appropriate treatment. If desired, the Service Control Point sends an announcement back to the calling party. The PSC determines the zone serving the portable handset terminal from the Base Station Routing Number and then broadcasts a page request to all intelligent base stations in that particular zone. The intelligent base stations in turn page the portable handset terminal. If the portable handset terminal is present, it will respond to an intelligent base station (e.g., the intelligent base station with the better, higher quality signal and having available channels); this intelligent base station sends an affirmative response to the page request to the PSC. All other intelligent base station send back negative replies; however, once the positive reply is received the PSC can ignore the outstanding negative replies. Alternatively, the PSC sets a page timer while awaiting the responses from the intelligent base stations; if, prior to the expiration of the time period, a positive response is not yet received, the PSC signals the Service Control Point that the user is not in the area. Once the portable handset terminal is located, the PSC queries the Service Control Point with a service request. This request provides for portable handset terminal authentication and retrieves the derived cipher key (DCK) from the Service Control Point. The Service Control Point's response in turn drives the setup of the call to the serving intelligent base station along with the delivery of the DCK to that intelligent base station.

Referring to FIG. 11, at time sequence event F1, a telephone number is called which results in the Originating PSC receiving an Initial Address Message (IAM). The Originating PSC determines that it is a call that results in a trigger at the InfoAnalyzed trigger detection point. The trigger criteria is the Called Party Number. At time sequence event F2, the Originating PSC sends an AIN Information Analyzed message to the Service Control Point. This message contains the called number as the Called Party ID and the carrier ID (optional). At time sequence event F3, the Service Control Point receives the message sent by the Originating PSC and translates the called number into the appropriate Terminal Number, Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID) and Base Station Routing Number that is currently serving the portable handset terminal. At time sequence event F4, the Service Control Point sends an AIN Route Analyzed message to the Originating PSC. This message contains the Called Party ID (Base Station Routing Number), the Called Party Subaddress ID (Terminal Number and Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID)), the Redirecting Party ID (called number) and Primary Carrier (IC2) of the portable handset terminal. At time sequence event F5, the Originating PSC receives the routing message sent by the Service Control Point. At time sequence event F6, the Originating PSC generates an ISUP Initial Address Message (IAM). This message contains the Called Party Number (Base Station Routing Number), the Terminal Number and Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID), redirecting number (called UPT), Calling Party Number and the primary carrier (IC). This message is sent, the appropriate trunk seized, etc. At time sequence event F7, PSC2 receives the IAM. The Base Station Routing Number is a termination attempt trigger. Alternatively, the PSC2 determines the appropriate zone based on the Base Station Routing Number, if PSC2 maintains a record of active portable handset terminals, PSC2 will determine the status of the portable handset terminal. If the portable handset terminal is "idle", PSC2 will continue. At time sequence event F8, the PSC sends a Terminating Attempt message to the Service Control Point. This message contains the Calling Party ID, the Base Station Routing Number, the Terminal Number, the PCSPID and the called UPT. At time sequence event F9, the Service Control Point receives the message. At time sequence event F10, the Service Control Point sends a Play Announcement message to the PSC. This message contains the Announcement ID. This can be any available announcement including ringing. At time sequence event F11, the Service Control Point sends a Paging Request message to the PSC. This message contains the Terminal Number, the zone routing number, an operations code, the PCSPID and the UPT (if provided). At time sequence event F12, the PSC receives the messages and determines the intelligent base station associated with the zone routing number. At time sequence event F13, PSC2 sends an ISDN non-call associated Page Request message to each intelligent base station in the zone. This message contains the called UPT, Terminal Number, and Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID). At time sequence event F14, each intelligent base station receives the message. At time sequence event F15, the intelligent base station broadcasts a Page Request message to alert the portable handset terminal. At time sequence event F16, the portable handset terminal recognizes that it is being paged. At time sequence event F17, the portable handset terminal sends a Page Response message to the appropriate intelligent base station (i.e., one with the better, higher quality signal and having available channels). This message contains the terminal's identity (UPT, Terminal Number, and Personal Communications Service Provider Identification [PCSPID]). The intelligent base station receives the reply and associates an available "B" channel with the portable handset terminal for future use. At time sequence event F18, the intelligent base station receives the message. At time sequence event F19, the intelligent base station sends an ISDN non-call associated Page Response message to PSC2. This message contains the Terminal Number, the "B" channel to be used to deliver the call, and the portable handset terminal status of "idle", Base Station Routing Number and the UPT. At time sequence event F20, PSC2 receives the message sent by the intelligent base station. Alternatively, the PSC creates a record indicating the portable handset terminal is now active. This record is maintained until the user returns to the "idle" mode, and allows the PSC to treat subsequent incoming calls to active users appropriately. In addition, it records the "B" channel allocation. This information would be maintained for future use (e.g., in support of Hand-off). At time sequence event F21, PSC2 then sends an AIN Service Request message to the Service Control Point. This message contains the portable handset terminal's identity (UPT, Terminal Number, Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID)), and the status of the portable handset terminal. Alternatively, the base station telephone number may be sent to the Service Control Point. At time sequence event F22, the Service Control Point receives the message sent by the PSC2. This initiates the authentication and security process. At time sequence event F23, the Service Control Point sends an AIN Service Reply message to PSC2. This message contains the derived cipher key (DCK), Terminal Number, user profile and the authorization for service. Alternatively, if PSC2 maintains a record of Base Station Routing Number, active calls, it may record the DCK at this point for future use (e.g., in support of Hand-off). At time sequence event F24, the PSC receives the messages. At time sequence event F25, the PSC sends a Cipher Information message to the intelligent base station. This message contains the Terminal Number, Base Station Routing Number, DCK, operations code and acknowledgement. At time sequence event F26, the Service Control Point sends a Cancel Announcement message to the PSC. At time sequence event F27, the PSC terminates the announcement. At time sequence event F28, the PSC sends a Clear message to the Service Control Point. At time sequence event F29, the Service Control Point sends A Forward Call message to the PSC to route to the proper intelligent base station. This message contains the calling party, base station telephone number, the Terminal Number, the UPT, charge number, charge party station type. At time sequence event F30, PSC2 receives the message sent by the Service Control Point. At time sequence event F31, PSC2 sends an ISDN Setup message to the intelligent base station. This message contains the "B" channel, DN associated with the "B" channel (or the intelligent base station) as the Called Party Number, the called number in the Called Party Subaddress field, and the Calling Party Number. At time sequence event F32, the intelligent base station receives the message sent by PSC2. At time sequence event F33, the intelligent base station sends a Setup message to the portable handset terminal. At time sequence event F34, the intelligent base station sends an ISDN Alerting message to PSC2. At time sequence event F35, PSC2 receives the alerting notification sent by intelligent base station. PSC2 provides ringing to the calling party. At time sequence event F36, the portable handset terminal detects a request for service from the user (user selects answer key) and enables its cipher from the authentication process (i.e., automatically activated in response to the call). At time sequence event F37, the portable handset terminal sends a Connect message to the intelligent base station. At time sequence event F38, the intelligent base station sends an ISDN Connect message to PSC2. At time sequence event F39, PSC2 receives the message. At time sequence event F40, PSC2 sends an ISUP Answer message to the far end. At time sequence event F41, PSC2 also sends an ISDN Connect Acknowledge message to the intelligent base station. At time sequence event F42, the call is connected.

For the specific functional message requirements for an incoming call, see Appendix I, attached hereto and made a part hereof.

FIG. 12 is a time sequence diagrammatic flowchart illustrating an unanswered incoming call to an intelligent portable handset terminal in the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention with respect to the detail call and signaling flows for an incoming call--no answer. The incoming call--no answer scenario demonstrates a potential call forwarding treatment of a call when the portable handset terminal responds to its page (i.e., it is present in the zone), but the user does not answer when the call is put through to the portable handset terminal. This is detected in the PSC when a ringing timeout timer expires. This timer is initiated using a value provided by the Service Control Point during the processing of the delivery of the call. The expiration of the timer causes a trigger and a query is sent to the Service Control Point for further instructions. The Service Control Point then determines the appropriate treatment based on the user's profile. The Service Control Point then responds to the PSC accordingly (i.e., it provides the PSC with a forwarding DN).

Referring to FIG. 12, at time sequence event G1, a telephone number is called which results in the Originating PSC receiving an Initial Address Message (IAM). The Originating PSC determines that it is a call that results in a trigger at the Info₋₋ Analyzed trigger detection point. The trigger criteria is the Called Party Number. At time sequence event G2, the Originating PSC sends an AIN Information Analyzed message to the Service Control Point. This message contains the called number as the Called Party ID and the Carrier ID (optional). At time sequence event G3, the Service Control Point receives the message sent by the Originating PSC, and the Service Control Point translates the called number into the appropriate Terminal Number, Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID) and Base Station Routing Number that is currently serving the portable handset terminal. At time sequence event G4, the Service Control Point sends an AIN Route Analyzed message to the Originating PSC. This message contains the Called Party ID (Base Station Routing Number), the Called Party Subaddress ID (Terminal Number and Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID)), the Redirecting Party ID (called number) and Primary Carrier (IC2) of the portable handset terminal. At time sequence event G5, the Originating PSC receives the routing message sent by the Service Control Point. At time sequence event G6, the Originating PSC generates an ISUP Initial Address Message (IAM). This message contains the Called Party Number (Base Station Routing Number), the Terminal Number and Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID)), Redirecting Number (called UPT), Calling Party Number, and the IC. This message is sent, the appropriate trunk seized, etc. At time sequence event G7, PSC2 receives the IAM. The Base Station Routing Number is a termination attempt trigger. Alternatively, PSC2 determines the appropriate zone based on the Base Station Routing Number. If PSC2 maintains a record of active portable handset terminals, it determines the status of the terminal. If the terminal is "idle", it continues. At time sequence event G8, the PSC sends a Terminating Attempt message to the Service Control Point. The message contains the Calling Party ID, the Base Station Routing Number, the Terminal Number, the PCSPID and the called UPT. At time sequence event G9, the Service Control Point receives the message. At time sequence event G10, the Service Control Point sends a Play Announcement message to the PSC. This message contains the Announcement ID. This can be any available announcement including ringing. At time sequence event G11, the Service Control Point sends a Paging Request message to the PSC to start the paging process. This message contains the Terminal Number, the zone routing number, an operations code, the PCSPID and the UPT (if provided). At time sequence event G12, the PSC receives the messages and determines the intelligent base station associated with the zone routing. At time sequence event G13, PSC2 sends an ISDN non-call associated Page Request message to each intelligent base station in the zone. This message contains the called UPT, Terminal Number, and Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID). At time sequence event G14, each intelligent base station receives the message. At time sequence event G15, the intelligent base station broadcasts a Page Request message to alert the portable handset terminal. At time sequence event G16, the portable handset terminal recognizes that it is being paged. At time sequence event G17, the portable handset terminal sends a Page Response to the appropriate intelligent base station (i.e., the intelligent base station with the better, higher quality signal and having available channels). This message contains the portable handset terminal's identity (UPT, Terminal Number and Personal Communications Service Provider Identification [PCSPID]).

The intelligent base station receives the reply and associates an available "B" channel with the portable handset terminal for future use. At time sequence event G18, the intelligent base station receives the message. At time sequence event G19, the intelligent base station sends an ISDN non-call associated Page Response message to PSC2. This message contains the Terminal Number, the "B" channel to be used to deliver the call, terminal status of "idle", Base Station Routing Number, the UPT. At time sequence event G20, PSC2 receives the message. Alternatively, the PSC creates a record indicating the portable handset terminal is now active. This record is maintained until the user returns to the "idle" mode, and allows the PSC to treat subsequent incoming calls to active users appropriately. In addition, it records the "B" channel allocation. This information would be maintained for future use (e.g., in support of hand-off). At time sequence event G21, PSC2 sends an AIN Service Request message to the Service Control Point. This message contains the portable handset terminal's identity (UPT, Terminal Number, Personal Communications Service Provider Identification [PCSPID]), and the status of the portable handset terminal. Alternatively, the Base Station Telephone Number may be sent to the Service Control Point). At time sequence event G22, the Service Control Point receives the message sent by PSC2. This initiates the authentication and security process. At time sequence event G23, the Service Control Point sends an AIN Service Reply message to PSC2. This message contains the derived cipher key (DCK), Terminal Number, user profile and the authorization for service. Alternatively, if PSC2 maintains a record of Base Station Routing Number, active calls, PSC2 may record the DCK at this point for future use (e.g., in support of hand-off). At time sequence event G24, the PSC receives the messages. At time sequence event G25, the PSC sends a Cipher Information message to the intelligent base station. This message contains the Terminal Number, Base Station Routing Number, DCK, operations code, and acknowledgement. At time sequence event G26, the Service Control Point sends a Cancel Announcement message to the PSC. At time sequence event G27, the PSC terminates the announcement. At time sequence event G28, the PSC sends a Clear message to the Service Control Point. At time sequence event G29, the Service Control Point sends a Forward Call message to the PSC to route to the proper intelligent base station. This message contains the calling party number, base station, telephone number, the Terminal Number, the UPT, charge number, charge party station type. At time sequence event G30, PSC2 receives the message sent by the Service Control Point. At time sequence event G31, PSC2 sends an ISDN Setup message to the intelligent base station. This message contains the "B" channel, DN associated with the "B" channel (or the intelligent base station) as the Called Party Number, the called number in the Called Party Subaddress field, and the Calling Party Number. At time sequence event G32, the intelligent base station receives the message sent by PSC2. At time sequence event G33, the intelligent base station sends a Setup message to the portable handset terminal. At time sequence event G34, the intelligent base station sends an ISDN Alerting message to PSC2. At time sequence event G35, PSC2 receives the alerting notification. PSC2 provides ringing to the calling party and starts the Ringing Timer. At time sequence event G36, the ringing timer expires when PSC2 has not received a response to its alerting. The PSC detects a Ringing Timeout trigger. PSC2 continues to provide ringing to the calling party and the user. At time sequence event G37, PSC2 sends an AIN Timeout message to the Service Control Point which includes the Calling Party Number, Called Party Number (DN of the intelligent base station that is serving the terminal), Called Party Subaddress, UPT or Terminal Number. At time sequence event G38, the Service Control Point receives the message sent by PSC2. The Service Control Point determines if the user subscribes to Call Forwarding on "no answer" and if the service is active. At time sequence event G39, if the user subscribes to Call Forwarding on "No Answer", and the service is active, the Service Control Point sends a Forward Call message to PSC2 which contains the following parameters Calling Party ID (DN assigned to the call), and the Called Party ID (DN2) to which the PSC is instructed to forward the call), Terminal Number and UPT. The transaction with the PSC is then closed. If the call forwarding service is not active or subscribed to by the PCS user, the Service Control Point sends a continue message to PSC2 and closes the transaction with PSC2. At time sequence event G40, PSC2 receives the message. At time sequence event G41, PSC2 sends an ISDN Disconnect message to the intelligent base station. At time sequence event G42, the intelligent base station receives the message. At time sequence event G43, the intelligent base station sends a Release message to the portable handset terminal. At time sequence event G44, the portable handset terminal sends a Release Complete message to the intelligent base station. At time sequence event G45, the intelligent base station sends an ISDN Release message to PSC2. At time sequence event G46, PSC2 receives the message sent by the intelligent base station. At time sequence event G47, PSC2 sends an ISDN Release Complete to the intelligent base station. At time sequence event G48, PSC2 forwards the call to DN2.

For the specific functional message requirements for incoming call--no answer, see Appendix I, attached hereto and made a part hereof.

FIG. 13 is a time sequence diagrammatic flowchart illustrating an incoming call to a busy intelligent portable handset terminal in the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention with respect to the detail call and signaling flows for an incoming call--user busy. The incoming call--"user busy" scenario illustrates how the intelligent base station and PSC interact to handle this particular scenario. The call and signaling flow follows the normal call delivery process until the intelligent base station in the zone are instructed to page the portable handset terminal. In this case, one intelligent base station is aware that the portable handset terminal is already active. It thus immediately sends a page response indicating the "user busy" situation. The PSC receives the message, and in turn sends a service request to the Service Control Point indicating a call was attempted to a "busy" portable handset terminal. The Service Control Point can then direct the appropriate treatment (e.g., Call Forwarding). Again, once the PSC has received an indication from the intelligent base station serving the portable handset terminal, it can ignore the responses from the other intelligent base station.

Referring to FIG. 13, at time sequence event H1, a telephone number is called which results in the Originating PSC receiving an Initial Address Message (IAM). The Originating PSC determines that it is a call that results in a trigger at the Info₋₋ Analyzed trigger detection point. The trigger criteria is the Called Party Number. At time sequence event H2, the Originating PSC sends an AIN Infomation Analyzed message to the Service Control Point. This message contains the called number as the Called Party ID and the Carrier ID (optional). At time sequence event H3, the Service Control Point receives the message sent by the Originating PSC and the Service Control Point translates the called number into the appropriate Terminal Number, Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID) and Base Station Routing Number that is currently serving the portable handset terminal. At time sequence event H4, the Service Control Point sends an AIN Route Analyzed message to the Originating PSC. This message contains the Called Party ID (Base Station Routing Number), the Called Party Subaddress ID (Terminal Number and Personal Communications Service Provider Identification [PCSPID]), the Redirecting Party ID (called number) and Primary Carrier (IC2) of the portable handset terminal. At time sequence event H5, the Originating PSC receives the routing message from the Service Control Point. At time sequence event H6, the Originating PSC generates an ISUP Initial Address Message (IAM). This message contains the Called Party Number (Base Station Routing Number), the Terminal Number and Personal Communications Service Provider Identification [PCSPID]), Redirecting Number (called UPT), Calling Party Number, and the IC. This message is sent, the appropriate trunk seized, etc. At time sequence event H7, PSC2 receives the IAM. The Base Station Routing Number is a termination attempt trigger. Alternatively, PSC2 determines the appropriate zone based on the Base Station Routing Number. If PSC2 maintains a record of active terminals, PSC2 determines the status of the terminal. If the terminal is "idle", it continues. If terminal is "busy" goes to time sequence event H21. At time sequence event H8, the PSC sends a Terminating Attempt message to the Service Control Point. This message contains the Calling Party ID, the Base Station Routing Number, the Terminal Number, the PCSPID, and the called UPT. At time sequence event H9, the Service Control Point receives the message from the PSC2. At time sequence event H10, the Service Control Point sends a Play Announcement message to the PSC2. The message contains the Announcement ID. This can be any available announcement including ringing. At time sequence event H11, the Service Control Point sends a Paging Request message to the PSC2 to start the paging process. This message contains the Terminal Number, the zone routing number, an operations code, the PCSPID, and the UPT (if provided). At time sequence event H12, the PSC2 receives the messages and determines the intelligent base station associated with the zone routing. At time sequence event H13, PSC2 sends an ISDN non-call associated Page Request message to each intelligent base station in the zone. This message contains the called UPT, Terminal Number and personal communications service provider identification (PCSPID). At time sequence event H14, each intelligent base station receives the message sent by PSC2. At time sequence event H15, the intelligent base station broadcasts a Page Request to alert the portable handset terminals. At time sequence event H16, the portable handset terminal recognizes that it is being paged by the intelligent base station. At time sequence event H17, the handset terminal sends a Page Response message to the appropriate intelligent base station (i.e., the intelligent base station with the better, higher quality signal and having available channels). This message contains the terminal's identity (UPT, Terminal Number and Personal Communications Service Provider Identification [Service Control Point ID]). The intelligent base station receives the reply and associates an available "B" channel with the terminal for future use. At time sequence event H18, the intelligent base station receives the message. At time sequence event H19, the intelligent base station sends an ISDN non-call associated Page Response message to PSC2. This message contains the Terminal Number, the "B" channel to be used to deliver the call, terminal status of "busy", Base Station Routing Number and the UPT. At time sequence event H20, PSC2 receives the messages. Once PSC2 receives the message with status "user busy", PSC2 disregards all other messages of status "not here". At time sequence event H21, PSC2 sends an AIN Service Request message to the Service Control Point. This message contains the terminal's identity (UPT, Terminal Number, Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID)) and the status "user busy". At time sequence event H22, the Service Control Point receives the message. The Service Control Point determines that a call has been attempted to a busy user, and initiates the appropriate treatment (e.g., Call Forwarding). At time sequence event H23, the Service Control Point sends a Forward Call message to PSC2. This message contains the Calling Party ID, the forward to telephone number, Terminal Number, and UPT. At time sequence event H24, PSC2 receives the message and forwards the call.

For the specific functional message requirements for incoming call--user busy, see Appendix I, attached hereto and made a part hereof.

FIG. 14 is a time sequence diagrammatic flowchart illustrating an incoming call to an intelligent portable handset terminal that is not in range in the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention with respect to the detail call and signaling flows for an incoming call--"not here". The incoming call--"not here" scenario illustrates how the PSC handles the particular scenario where the handset terminal does not respond to a page. This is a case where the portable handset terminal has either powered "off" or moved out of range which in turn allows for the condition where there is no deregistration. The call and signaling flows follows the normal call delivery process until all of the intelligent base station have responded to the PSC with the result of the page. In this case, all of the intelligent base station respond with the portable handset terminal "not here". As a result the PSC determines that the portable handset terminal is not responding to the page and thus sends a service request to the Service Control Point indicating a call was attempted to a portable handset terminal that is no longer present. The Service Control Point can then direct the appropriate treatment (e.g., Call Forwarding).

Referring to FIG. 14, at time sequence event I1, a telephone number is called which results in the Originating PSC receiving an Initial Address Message (IAM). The Originating PSC determines that it is a call that results in a trigger at the Info₋₋ Analyzed trigger detection point. The trigger criteria is the Called Party Number. At time sequence event I2, the Originating PSC sends an AIN Infomation Analyzed message to the Service Control Point. The message contains the called number as the Called Party ID, and the Carrier ID (optional). At time sequence event I3, the Service Control Point receives the message sent by the Originating PSC and the Service Control Point translates the called number into the appropriate Terminal Number, Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID), and Base Station Routing Number that is currently serving the specific portable handset terminal. At time sequence event I4, the Service Control Point sends an AIN Route Analyzed message to the Originating PSC. This message contains the Called Party ID (Base Station Routing Number), the Called Party Subaddress ID (Terminal Number and Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID)), the Redirecting Party ID (called number), and Primary Carrier (IC2) of the portable handset terminal. At time sequence event I5, the Originating PSC receives the routing message sent by the Service Control Point. At time sequence event I6, the Originating PSC generates an ISUP Initial Address Message (IAM). This message contains the Called Party Number (Base Station Routing Number), the Terminal Number and Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID)), Redirecting Number (called UPT), Calling Party Number, and the IC. This message is sent, the appropriate trunk seized, etc. At time sequence event I7, PSC2 receives the IAM. The Base Station Routing Number is a termination attempt trigger. Alternatively, PSC2 determines the appropriate zone based on the Base Station Routing Number. If PSC2 maintains a record of active portable handset terminals, PSC2 determines the status of the portable handset terminal. If the portable handset terminal is "idle", it continues. At time sequence event I8, the PSC2 sends a Terminating Attempt message to the Service Control Point. This message contains the Calling Party ID, the Base Station Routing Number, the Terminal Number, the PCSPID and the called UPT. At time sequence event I9, the Service Control Point receives the message. At time sequence event I10, the Service Control Point sends a Play Announcement message to the PSC2. This message contains the Announcement ID. This can be any available announcement including ringing. At time sequence event Ill, the Service Control Point sends a Paging Request message to the PSC2 to start the paging process. This message contains the Terminal Number, the Zone Routing Number, an Operations Code, the PCSPID and the UPT (if provided). At time sequence event I12, the PSC2 receives the messages and determines the intelligent base station associated with the Zone Routing. At time sequence event I13, PSC2 sends an ISDN non-call associated Page Request message to each intelligent base station in the zone. This message contains the called UPT, Terminal Number and Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID). At time sequence event I14, each intelligent base station receives the message. At time sequence event I15, the intelligent base station broadcasts a Page Request to alert the portable handset terminal. At time sequence event I16, the response timer expires in the intelligent base station. At time sequence event I17, the intelligent base station sends an ISDN non-call associated Page Response message to PSC2. This message contains the Terminal Number, the "B" channel to be used to deliver the call, portable handset terminal status of "not here", Base Station Routing Number and the UPT. At time sequence event I18, PSC2 receives the messages. Once PSC2 receives a response from each intelligent base station in the zone, PSC2 determines that the portable handset terminal is not present. At time sequence event I19, PSC2 sends an AIN Service Request message to the Service Control Point. This message contains the portable handset terminal's identity (UPT, Terminal Number, Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID), and the status of "not here". At time sequence event I20, the Service Control Point receives the message. The Service Control Point determines that a call has been attempted to a user that is not available, and initiates the appropriate treatment (e.g., Call Forwarding). At time sequence event I21, the Service Control Point sends a Forward Call message to PSC2. This message contains the Calling Routing ID, the Forward-To-Telephone Number, Terminal Number and UPT. At time sequence event I22, PSC2 receives the message and forwards the call.

For the specific functional message requirements for incoming call--not here, see Appendix I, attached hereto and made a part hereof.

FIG. 15 is a time sequence diagrammatic flowchart illustrating an incoming call to an intelligent portable handset terminal with all interfaces "busy" in the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention. The incoming call--"interface busy" scenario illustrates how the intelligent base station and PSC interact to handle this particular scenario. The call and signaling flows follow the normal call delivery process until an intelligent base station receives a response to the page. In this situation, an intelligent base station does not have an available "B" channel to the PSC. Accordingly, the intelligent base station thus sends a page response indicating the "interface busy" situation. The PSC receives the message, and in turn sends a service request to the Service Control Point indicating an intelligent base station responded to a page for an incoming call, however, the interface busy condition exists. The Service Control Point can then direct the appropriate treatment (e.g., Call Forwarding).

Referring to FIG. 15, at time sequence event J1, a telephone number is called which results in the Originating PSC receiving an Initial Address Message (IAM). The Originating PSC determines that it is a call that results in a trigger at the Info₋₋ Analyzed trigger detection point. The trigger criteria is the Called Party Number. At time sequence event J2, the Originating PSC sends an AIN Information Analyzed message to the Service Control Point. This message contains the called number as the Called Party ID and the Carrier ID (optional). At time sequence event J3, the Service Control Point receives the message sent by the Originating PSC and the Service Control Point translates the called number into the appropriate Terminal Number, Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID), and Base Station Routing Number that is currently serving the specific portable handset terminal. At time sequence event J4, the Service Control Point sends an AIN Route Analyzed message to the Originating PSC. This message contains the Called Party ID (Base Station Routing Number), the Called Party Subaddress ID (Terminal Number and Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID)), the Redirecting Party ID (called number) and Primary Carrier (IC2) of the portable handset terminal. At time sequence event J5, the Originating PSC receives the routing message sent by the Service Control Point. At time sequence event J6, the Originating PSC generates an ISUP Initial Address Message (IAM). This message contains the Called Party Number (Base Station Routing Number), the Terminal Number and Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID)), Redirecting Number (called UPT), Calling Party Number, and the IC. This message is sent, the appropriate trunk seized, etc. At time sequence event J7, PSC2 receives the IAM. The Base Station Routing Number is a termination attempt trigger. Alternatively, PSC2 determines the appropriate zone based on the Base Station Routing Address. If PSC2 maintains a record of active portable handset terminals, PSC2 determines the status of the portable handset terminal. If the portable handset terminal is "idle", PSC2 continues. At time sequence event J8, the PSC2 sends a Terminating Attempt message to the Service Control Point. This message contains the Calling Party ID, the Base Station Routing Number, the Terminal Number, the PCSPID, and the called UPT. At time sequence event J9, the Service Control Point receives the message. At time sequence event J10, the Service Control Point sends a Play Announcement message to the PSC2. This message contains the Announcement ID. This can be any available announcement including ringing. At time sequence event J11, the Service Control Point sends a Paging Request message to the PSC2 to start the paging process. This message contains the Terminal Number, the Zone Routing Number, an Operations Code, the PCSPID, and the UPT (if provided). At time sequence event J12, the PSC2 receives the messages and determines the intelligent base station associated with the Zone Routing. At time sequence event J13, PSC2 sends an ISDN non-call associated Page Request message to each intelligent base station in the zone. This message contains the called UPT, Terminal Number, and Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID). At time sequence event J14, each intelligent base station received the message. At time sequence event J15, the intelligent base station broadcasts a Page Request to alert the portable handset terminal. At time sequence event J16, the portable handset terminal recognizes that is being paged. At time sequence event J17, the portable handset terminal sends a Page Response to message the appropriate intelligent base station (i.e., the intelligent base station with the better, higher quality signal and having available channels). This message contains the portable handset terminal's identity (UPT, Terminal Number, and Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID). At time sequence event J18, the intelligent base station receives the message, but has no "B" channels available. At time sequence event J19, the intelligent base station sends an ISDN non-call associated Page Response message to PSC2. This message contains the Terminal Number, portable handset terminal status of "interface busy", Base Station Routing Number, and the UPT. At time sequence event J20, PSC2 receives the messages. Once PSC2 receives the message with the status "interface busy" the PSC2 disregards all other messages of status "not here". Alternatively, the PSC2 receives all sent responses with status "not here" indicated; consequently, since the message was not sent to those intelligent base stations with no "B" channels available, the PSC2 sends a service request of "interface busy" to the Service Control Point. At time sequence event J21, PSC2 sends an AIN Service Request message to the Service Control Point. This message contains the portable handset terminal's identity (UPT, Terminal Number, Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID), and the status "user busy". At time sequence event J22, the Service Control Point receives the message. The Service Control Point determines that a call has been attempted to a busy user, and initiates the appropriate treatment (e.g., Call Forwarding). At time sequence event J23, the Service Control Point sends a Forward Call message to PSC2. This message contains the Calling Routing ID, the Forward-To-Telephone Number, Terminal Number, and UPT. At time sequence event J24, PSC2 receives the message and forwards the call.

For the specific functional message requirements for incoming call--"interface busy", see Appendix I, attached hereto and made a part hereof.

FIG. 16 is a time sequence diagrammatic flowchart illustrating the hand-off of an intelligent portable handset terminal in the wireless digital personal communications system in accordance with the present invention. The intelligent base station architecture utilizes the PSC for all hand-off(s). Thus, the particular scenario developed for hand-off targets maximum functionality in the PSC in support of a hand-off. The particular scenario illustrated assumes an intra-PSC hand-off; however, it is anticipated that it can be extended to an inter-switch hand-off with appropriate modifications to ISUP to carry the necessary information. In this situation, the hand-off process is driven by the portable handset terminal determining that its signal quality is poor and that a hand-off to a higher quality signal from another intelligent base station is necessary. The portable handset terminal initiates the hand-off by sending a request to a new intelligent base station with a higher quality signal (and having available channels). This request contains the Base Station Routing Number of the old intelligent base station, its Terminal Number and Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID). The new intelligent base station initiates a call to the PSC indicating a hand-off, and carrying the information conveyed from the portable handset terminal. When the PSC receives the request, it allocates a three port bridge for the hand-off, and sends a setup indicating hand-off to the old intelligent base station with the appropriate information. The old intelligent base station (IBS-old) validates the request, and responds with a connect message to the PSC containing the derived cipher key (DCK). The PSC connects the bridge and sends indications to the new and old intelligent base stations, along with the DCK to the new intelligent base station (IBS-new). The actual transfer then takes place and the old call is disconnected.

Referring to FIG. 16, at time sequence event K1, the portable handset terminal detects an intelligent base station that could provide a better link than its current intelligent base station. At time sequence event K2, the portable handset terminal sends a Setup with the external hand-off request indicator to the better intelligent base station. At time sequence event K3, the IBS-new receives the Setup message and determines that it is a Hand-Off request. This request contains the Base Station Routing Number of the IBS-old and the portable handset terminal's identity (UPT, Terminal Number and Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID)). At time sequence event K4, the IBS-new sends an ISDN Setup message to the PSC. This message contains the Feature Activator=Hand-Off, Calling Party Number of the interface, Called Party Number (Base Station Routing Number), the Terminal Number and Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID) in the Called Party Subaddress Number. At time sequence event K5, the PSC receives the message and determines that it is a Hand-Off request. The PSC allocates a 3-port bridge for the hand-off. Alternatively, if the PSC maintains a record of active portable handset terminals, it determines the "B" channel and DCK associated with the portable handset terminal. The PSC would send a Setup ACKnowledge message to the IBS-new containing the DCK. Additionally, the PSC would record the new "B" channel to provide for subsequent hand-offs. At time sequence event K6, the PSC sends an ISDN Setup message to the IBS-old. This message contains a Feature Activator=Hand-Off, the Called Party Number (DN of IBS interface), Calling Party Number (DN of IBS-new), and Called Party Subaddress Number (Terminal Number and Personal Communications Service Provider Identification (PCSPID)). At time sequence event K7, the IBS-old receives the request and validates it. At time sequence event K8, IBS-old returns an ISDN Connect message to the PSC. This message contains the "B" channel and the Derived Cipher Key (DCK). At time sequence event K9, the PSC receives the message and the PSC recognizes this as a positive response to the hand-off attempt and thus connects the parties to the bridge. At time sequence event K10, the PSC then sends an ISDN Connect message to the IBS-new. This contains the DCK. The PSC also sends a Connect Acknowledge to the IBS-old. At time sequence event K11, the IBS-new receives the message and recognizes that the hand-off is ready. The IBS-old receives the message. At time sequence event K12, the IBS-new sends a Setup Acknowledge message to the portable handset terminal. At time sequence event K13, the portable handset terminal sends a Notification message to the IBS-new to indicate its readiness. At time sequence event K14, the IBS-new sends a Connect Acknowledge to the PSC when the portable handset terminal is ready. At time sequence event K15, the portable handset terminal sends a disconnect message to the IBS-old. At time sequence event K16, the IBS-old receives a disconnect indication from the portable handset terminal. At time sequence event K17, the IBS-old sends an ISDN Disconnect message to the PSC. At time sequence event K18, the PSC receives the message and the PSC in turn tears down the IBS-old "B" channel and releases the three port bridge. At time sequence event K19, the PSC sends an ISDN Release message to the IBS-old. At time sequence event K20, the IBS-old receives the release message. At time sequence event K21, the IBS-old sends an ISDN Release Complete to the PSC to conclude the hand-off.

For the specific functional message requirements for hand-off, see Appendix I, attached hereto and made a part hereof.

Finally, more than being a single universal service, the PCS of the present invention remains sufficiently flexible to evolve into different classes of PCS service for the user. For example, first, a standardized PCS Switching Center standard network interface allows operators to pick and choose the level of functionality needed to support their PCS offering; second, maximizing the use of intelligent network functionality and existing signaling standards will minimize the new infrastructure that needs to be deployed and the new standards that need to be developed; and, third, a central office capable of providing radio cell hand-off eliminates the need for an intermediate switch/controller, as well as for costly private lines. Overall, this simplified architecture for the PCS of the present invention, is pro-competitive, as it lowers the barriers of entry with respect to the deployment of PCS by the service providers in the commercial marketplace.

A specific embodiment of a novel system for a wireless digital personal communications system having a simplified architecture and a standard interface has been described for the purposes of illustrating the manner in which the present invention may be used and made. The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth below with particularity in the appended claims. It should be understood that the implementations of other variations and modifications of the invention in its various aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art and that the present invention is not limited thereto by the specific embodiment described. It is therefore contemplated to cover by the present invention any and all modifications, variations or equivalents that fall within the true spirit and scope of the basic underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein.

                  APPENDIX I                                                       ______________________________________                                         MESSAGE         ELEMENTS                                                       ______________________________________                                         I. FUNCTION MESSAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR TERMINAL                                  REGISTRATION:                                                                  LOCate.sub.-- REQuest                                                                          (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number)                                                     Terminal- ->IBS                                                REGister        (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number, Base                                                Station Routing Number, Operation                                              Code) IBS- ->PSC                                               NCA.sub.-- REQuest                                                                             (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Base                                                 Station Routing number, Universal                                              Personal Telephone Number, Operation                                           Code) PSC- ->SCP                                               NCA.sub.-- RESponse                                                                            (Terminal Number, Acknowledgment                                               code) SCP- ->PSC                                               REGCANC         (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number)                                                     Home SCP- ->Previously Visited SCP                             REGCANC.sub.-- RESponse                                                                        (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number)                                                     Previously Visited SCP- ->Home SCP                             RELease.sub.-- COMplete                                                                        (Terminal Number, Acknowledgement                                              code) PSC- ->IBS                                               LOCate.sub.-- ACCept                                                                           (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number)                                                     IBS- ->Terminal                                                LOCate.sub.-- REJect                                                                           (Reject reason)                                                                IBS- ->Terminal                                                II. FUNCTIONAL MESSAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR IBS                                    AUTHENTICATION AND SECURITY KEY DERIVATION:                                    NCA.sub.-- REQuest                                                                             (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number, RS,                                                 RAND.sub.-- F, Base Station Routing                                            Number) SCP- ->PSC                                             REGister        (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number, RS,                                                 RAND.sub.-- F, Base Station Routing                                            Number) PSC- ->IBS                                             AUTHentication.sub.-- REQuest                                                                  (RS, RAND.sub.-- F)                                                            IBS- ->Terminal                                                AUTHentication.sub.-- REPly                                                                    (RES1)                                                                         Terminal- ->IBS                                                RELease.sub.-- COMPlete                                                                        (RES1, Base Station Routing Number,                                            Terminal Number, Operation Code)                                               IBS- ->PSC                                                     NCA.sub.-- RESPonse                                                                            (RES1, Base Station Routing Number,                                            Terminal Number, Operation Code)                                               PSC- ->SCP                                                     III. FUNCTIONAL MESSAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR TERMINAL                              REGISTERATION - - - ROAMING:                                                   LOCate.sub.-- REQuest                                                                          (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number)                                                     Terminal- ->IBS                                                REGister        (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number, Base                                                Station Routing Number)                                                        IBS- ->PSC                                                     NCA.sub.-- REQuest                                                                             (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Base                                                 Station Routing Number, Universal                                              Personal Telephone Number, Operation                                           Code) PSC- ->Visited SCP                                       REGNOT          (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number, Base                                                Station Routing Number)                                                        Visited SCP- ->Home SCP                                        REGNOT          (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number, User                                                Profile, RS, KS)                                                               Home SCP- ->Visited SCP                                        REGCANC         (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number)                                                     Home SCP- ->Previously Visited SCP                             REGCANC         (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number)                                                     Previously Visited SCP- ->Home SCP                             NCA.sub.-- RESPonse                                                                            (Terminal Number, Acknowledgement                                              Code, Base Station Routing Number)                                             Visited SCP- ->PSC                                             RELease.sub.-- COMPlete                                                                        (Terminal Number, Acknowledgement                                              Code, Base Station Routing Number)                                             PSC- ->IBS                                                     LOCate.sub.-- ACCept                                                                           (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number)                                                     IBS- ->Terminal                                                LOCate.sub.-- REJect                                                                           (Reject reason)                                                                IBS- ->Terminal                                                IV. FUNCTIONAL MESSAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR IBS                                    AUTHENTICATION AND SECURITY KEY DERIVATION FOR                                 ROAMING MODE OF OPERATION:                                                     NCA.sub.-- REQuest                                                                             (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number, RS,                                                 RAND.sub.-- F, Base Station Routing                                            Number) SCP- ->PSC                                             Register.sub.-- REQuest                                                                        (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number, RS,                                                 RAND.sub.-- F, Base Station Routing                                            Number) PSC- ->IBS                                             AUTHentication.sub.-- REQuest                                                                  (RS, RAND.sub.-- F)                                                            IBS- ->Terminal                                                AUTHentication.sub.-- REPly                                                                    (RES1, Base Station Routing Number,                                            Terminal Number, Operation Code)                                               Terminal- ->IBS                                                RELease.sub.-- COMplete                                                                        (RES1, Base Station Routing Number,                                            Terminal Number, Operation Code)                                               IBS- ->PSC                                                     NCA.sub.-- RESPonse                                                                            (RES1, Base Station Routing Number,                                            Terminal Number, Operation Code)                                               PSC- ->SCP                                                     V. FUNCTIONAL MESSAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR IBS CALL                                ORIGINATION:                                                                   SETup           (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number)                                                     Terminal- ->IBS                                                REGister        (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number, Channel                                             Identification, Base Station Routing                                           Number, Operation Code)                                                        IBS- ->PSC                                                     NCA.sub.-- REQuest                                                                             (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number, Base                                                Station Routing Number, Operation                                              Code) PSC- ->SCP                                               NCA.sub.-- RESPonse                                                                            (Terminal Number, Derived Cipher                                               Key, User Profile, Reason Code, Base                                           Station Routing Number, Operation                                              Code) SCP- ->PSC                                               SERVice.sub.-- REPly                                                                           (Terminal Number, Derived Cipher                                               Key, Reason Code, Base Station                                                 Routing Number, Operation Code)                                                PSC- ->IBS                                                     CIPHer.sub.-- REQuest                                                                          (Cipher Information                                                            IBS- ->Terminal                                                SETup           (Channel Identification, Base Station                                          Telephone Number, PCSPID, Terminal                                             Number or Universal Personal                                                   Telephone Number)                                                              IBS- ->PSC                                                     SETup.sub.-- ACKnowledge                                                                       (Progress Indicator, Signal)                                                   PSC- ->IBS                                                     SETup.sub.-- ACKnowledge                                                                       (PCSPID, Terminal Number or                                                    Universal Personal Telephone Number,                                           Progress Indicator, Signal)                                                    IBS- ->Terminal                                                INFormation     (Terminal Number, Universal Personal                                           Telephone Number, Keypad)                                                      Terminal- ->IBS                                                INFOrmation     (Terminal Number or Universal                                                  Personal Telephone Number, Keypad)                                             IBS- ->PSC                                                     INFOrmation.sub.-- COLLected                                                                   (Terminal Number or Universal                                                  Personal Telephone Number, Keypad,                                             Base Station Telephone Number)                                                 PSC- ->SCP                                                     ANALyze.sub.-- ROUTE                                                                           (Terminal Number or Universal                                                  Personal Telephone Number, Called                                              Party Number, Primary Carrier, Charge                                          Number, Charge Party Station Type)                                             SCP- ->PSC                                                     INITial.sub.-- ADDRess.sub.-- MESSage                                                          (Calling Party Number, Called Party                                            Number)                                                                        PSC- ->Called Office                                           CALL.sub.-- PROCeeding                                                                         (Terminal Number or Universal                                                  Personal Telephone Number)                                                     PSC- ->IBS                                                     ADDRess.sub.-- COMPlete                                                                        (Calling Party Number, Called Party                                            Number)                                                                        Called Office- ->PSC                                           ALERTing        (Terminal Number or Universal                                                  Personal Telephone Number, Progress                                            Indicator, Signal)                                                             PSC- ->IBS                                                     ALERTing        (Terminal Number or Universal                                                  Personal Telephone Number, Progress                                            Indicator, Signal)                                                             IBS- ->Terminal                                                ANSWer          (Calling Party Number, Called Party                                            Number)                                                                        Called Office- ->PSC                                           CONNect         (Terminal Number or Universal                                                  Personal Telephone Number, Connected                                           Number, Progress Indicator,                                                    Notification Indicator)                                                        PSC- ->IBS                                                     CONNect         (Progress Indicator)                                                           IBS- ->Terminal                                                CONNect.sub.-- ACKnowledge                                                                     IBS- ->PSC                                                     VI. FUNCTIONAL MESSAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR INCOMING                               CALL:                                                                          INFOrmation.sub.-- ANALyzed                                                                    (Calling Party Number, Called Party                                            Number, Primary Carrier)                                                       AIN EndOffice/Tandem- ->SCP                                    ANALyze.sub.-- ROUTe                                                                           (Terminal Number, PCSPID, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number, Calling                                             Party Number, Primary Carrier, Base                                            Station Routing Number)                                                        SCP- ->AIN EndOffice/Tandem                                    INITial.sub.-- ADDRess.sub.-- MESSage                                                          (Calling Party Number, PCSPID,                                                 Terminal Number, Universal Personal                                            Telephone Number, Base Station                                                 Routing Number)                                                                AIN EndOffice/Tandem- ->PSC                                    TERMinating ATTempt                                                                            (Calling Party Number, Base Station                                            Routing Number, PCSPID, Terminal                                               Number, Universal Personal Telephone                                           Number)                                                                        PSC- ->SCP                                                     Send.sub.-- To.sub.-- RESource                                                                 (Announcement ID, play announce-                                               ment)                                                                          SCP- ->PSC                                                     NCA REQuest     (UPT, Terminal Number, Zone Routing                                            Number, Operation Code, PCSPID)                                                SCP- ->IBS                                                     REGister        (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number, Operation                                           Code)                                                                          PSC- ->IBS                                                     PAGE.sub.-- REQuest                                                                            (Terminal Number, Universal Personal                                           Telephone Number)                                                              IBS- ->Terminal                                                PAGE.sub.-- RESPonse                                                                           (Terminal Number, Universal Personal                                           Telephone Number)                                                              Terminal- ->IBS                                                RELease.sub.-- COMPlete                                                                        (Terminal Number, Channel                                                      Identification, Terminal Status,                                               Universal Personal Telephone Number,                                           Base Station Routing Number, UPT)                                              IBS- ->PSC                                                     NCA.sub.-- RESPonse                                                                            (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number, Terminal                                            Status, Base Station Telephone                                                 Number)                                                                        PSC.sub.-- >SCP                                                NCA.sub.-- DATA (Terminal Number, Derived Cipher                                               Key, User Profile, Reason Code, Base                                           Station Routing Number)                                                        SCP- ->PSC                                                     REGister        (Terminal Number, Base Station                                                 Routing Number, DCK, Operation                                                 Code, Reason Code)                                                             PSC- ->IBS                                                     CANCEL.sub.-- RESource-Event                                                                   SCP- ->PSC                                                     RESource.sub.-- Clear                                                                          SCP- ->PSC                                                     FORWard.sub.-- CALL                                                                            (Base Station Telephone Number,                                                Terminal Number, Universal Personal                                            Telephone Number, Calling Party                                                Number, UPT, Charge Number, Charge                                             Party Station Type)                                                            SCP- ->PSC                                                     SETup           (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number, Calling                                             Party Number)                                                                  PSC- ->IBS                                                     SETup           (Terminal Number, Universal Personal                                           Telephone Number, Calling Party                                                Number, Basic Service, Display,                                                Signal)                                                                        IBS- ->Terminal                                                ALERTing        (Progress Indicator, Signal)                                                   IBS- ->PSC                                                     CONNect         Terminal- ->IBS                                                CONNect         IBS- ->PSC                                                     ANSWer          PSC- ->AIN EndOffice/Tandem                                    CONNect.sub.-- ACKnowledge                                                                     PSC- ->IBS                                                     VII. FUNCTIONAL MESSAGE REQUIREMENTS FRO INCOMING                              CALL - - - NO ANSWER:                                                          INFOrmation.sub.-- ANALyzed                                                                    (Calling Party Number, Called Party                                            Number, Primary Carrier)                                                       AIN EndOffice/Tandem- ->SCP                                    ANALyze.sub.-- ROUTe                                                                           (Terminal Number, PCSPID, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number, Calling                                             Party Number, Primary Carrier, Base                                            Station Routing Number)                                                        SCP- ->AIN EndOffice/Tandem                                    INITial.sub.-- ADDRess.sub.-- MESSage                                                          (Calling Party Number, PCSPID,                                                 Terminal Number, Universal Personal                                            Telephone Number, Base Station                                                 Routing Number)                                                                AIN EndOffice/Tandem- ->PSC                                    TERMinating ATTempt                                                                            (Calling Party Number, Base Station                                            Routing Number, PCSPID, Terminal                                               Number, Universal Personal Telephone                                           Number)                                                                        PSC- ->SCP                                                     Send.sub.-- To.sub.-- RESource                                                                 (Announcement ID, play announce-                                               ment)                                                                          SCP- ->PSC                                                     NCA.sub.-- REQuest                                                                             (UPT Terminal Number, Zone Routing                                             Number, Operation Code, PSCPID)                                                SCP- ->PSC                                                     REGister        (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number, Operation                                           Code)                                                                          PSC- ->IBS                                                     PAGE.sub.-- REQuest                                                                            (Terminal Number, Universal Personal                                           Telephone Number)                                                              IBS- ->Terminal                                                PAGE.sub.-- RESPonse                                                                           (Terminal Number, Universal Personal                                           Telephone Number)                                                              Terminal- ->IBS                                                RELease.sub.-- COMPlete                                                                        (Terminal Number, Channel                                                      Identification, Terminal Status,                                               Universal Personal Telephone Number,                                           Base Station Routing Number, UPT)                                              IBS- ->PSC                                                     NCA.sub.-- RESPonse                                                                            (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number, Terminal                                            Status, Base Station Telephone                                                 Number)                                                                        PSC- ->SCP                                                     NCA.sub.-- DATA (Terminal Number, Derived cipher                                               Key, User Profile, Reason Code, Base                                           Station Routing Number)                                                        SCP- ->PSC                                                     REGister        (Terminal Number, Base Station                                                 Routing Number, DCK, Operation                                                 Code, Reason Code)                                                             PSC- ->IBS                                                     CANCEL RESource.sub.-- Event                                                                   SCP- ->PSC                                                     RESource.sub.-- Clear                                                                          SCP- ->PSC                                                     Forward.sub.-- Call                                                                            (Base Station Telephone Number,                                                Terminal Number, Universal Personal                                            Telephone Number, Calling Party                                                Number, UPT, Charge Number, Charge                                             Party Station Type)                                                            SCP- ->PSC                                                     SETup           (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number, Calling                                             Party Number)                                                                  PSC- ->IBS                                                     SETup           (Terminal Number, Universal Personal                                           Telephone Number, Calling Party                                                Number, Basic Service, Display,                                                Signal)                                                                        IBS- ->Terminal                                                ALERTing        (Progress Indicator, Signal)                                                   IBS- ->PS                                                      T.sub.-- NO.sub.-- ANSWER                                                                      (Calling Party Number, Base Station                                            Telephone Number, Terminal Number                                              or Universal Personal Telephone                                                Number)                                                                        PSC- ->SCP                                                     FORWard.sub.-- CALL                                                                            (Calling Party Number, Forward to                                              Telephone Number, Terminal Number                                              or Universal Personal Telephone                                                Number)                                                                        SCP- ->PSC                                                     DISConnect      (Cause)                                                                        PSC- ->IBS                                                     RElease         (Release Reason)                                                               IBS- ->Terminal                                                RELease.sub.-- COMplete                                                                        Terminal- ->IBS                                                RElease         IBS- ->PSC                                                     RELease.sub.-- COMPlete                                                                        PSC- ->IBS                                                     VIII. FUNCTIONAL MESSAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR                                      INCOMING CALL - - - USER BUSY:                                                 INFOrmation.sub.-- ANALyzed                                                                    (Calling Party Number, Called Party                                            Number, Primary Carrier)                                                       AIN EndOffice/Tandem- ->SCP                                    ANALyze.sub.-- ROUTe                                                                           (Terminal Number, PCSPID, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number, Calling                                             Party Number, Primary Carrier, Base                                            Station Routing Number)                                                        SCP- ->AIN EndOffice/Tandem                                    INITial.sub.-- ADDRess.sub.-- MESSage                                                          (Calling Party Number, PCSPID,                                                 Terminal Number, Universal Personal                                            Telephone Number, Base Station                                                 Routing Number)                                                                AIN EndOffice/Tandem- ->PSC                                    TERMinating ATTempt                                                                            (Calling Party Number, Base Station                                            Routing Number, PCSPID, Terminal                                               Number, Universal Personal Telephone                                           Number)                                                                        PSC- ->SCP                                                     Send.sub.-- To.sub.-- RESource                                                                 (Announcement ID, play                                                         announcement)                                                                  SCP- ->PSC                                                     NCA.sub.-- REQuest                                                                             (UPT, Terminal Number, Zone Routing                                            Number, Operation Code, PCSPID)                                                SCP- ->PSC                                                     REGister        (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number, Operation                                           Code)                                                                          PSC- ->IBS                                                     PAGE.sub.-- REQuest                                                                            (Terminal Number, Universal Personal                                           Telephone Number)                                                              IBS- ->Terminal                                                PAGE.sub.-- RESPonse                                                                           (Terminal Number, Universal Personal                                           Telephone Number)                                                              Terminal- ->IBS                                                RELease.sub.-- COMPlete                                                                        (Terminal Number, Channel                                                      Identification, Terminal Status,                                               Universal Personal Telephone Number,                                           Base Station Routing Number, UPT)                                              IBS- ->PSC                                                     NCA.sub.-- RESPonse                                                                            Terminal Number, Universal                                                     Personal Telephone Number, Terminal                                            Status, Base Station Telephone                                                 Number)                                                                        PSC- ->SCP                                                     FORWard.sub.-- CALL                                                                            (Calling Party Number, Forward to                                              Telephone Number, Terminal Number,                                             Universal Personal Telephone Number)                                           SCP- ->PSC                                                     IX. FUNCTIONAL MESSAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR INCOMING                               CALL - - - NOT HERE:                                                           INFOrmation ANALyzed                                                                           (Calling Party Number, Called Party                                            Number, Primary Carrier)                                                       AIN EndOffice/Tandem- ->SCP                                    ANALyze.sub.-- ROUTe                                                                           (Terminal Number, PCSPID, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number, Calling                                             Party Number, Primary Carrier, Base                                            Station Routing Number)                                                        SCP- ->AIN EndOffice/Tandem                                    INITial.sub.-- ADDRess.sub.-- MESSage                                                          (Calling Party Number, PCSPID,                                                 Terminal Number, Universal Personal                                            Telephone Number, Base Station                                                 Routing Number)                                                                AIN EndOffice/Tandem- ->PSC                                    TERMinating ATTempt                                                                            (Calling Party Number, Base Station                                            Routing Number, PCSPID, Terminal                                               Number, Universal Personal Telephone                                           Number)                                                                        PSC- ->SCP                                                     Send.sub.-- To.sub.-- RESource                                                                 (Announcement ID, Play                                                         Announcement)                                                                  SCP- ->PSC                                                     NCA REQuest     (UPT, Terminal Number, Zone Routing                                            Number, Operation Code, PSCPID)                                                SCP- ->PSC                                                     REGister        (PSCPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number, Operation                                           Code)                                                                          PSC- ->IBS                                                     PAGE.sub.-- RESPonse                                                                           (Terminal Number, Universal Personal                                           Telephone Number)                                                              IBS- ->Terminal                                                RELease.sub.-- COMplete                                                                        (Terminal Number, Channel Identifica                                           tion, Terminal Status, Universal Person                                        al Telephone Number, Base Station                                              Routing Number, UPT)                                                           IBS- ->PSC                                                     NCA.sub.-- RESPonse                                                                            (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number, Terminal                                            Status, Base Station Telephone                                                 Number)                                                                        PSC- ->SCP                                                     FORward.sub.-- CALL                                                                            (Calling Party Number, Forward to                                              Telephone Number, Terminal Number,                                             Universal Personal Telephone Number)                                           SCP- ->PSC                                                     X. FUNCTIONAL MESSAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR INCOMING                                CALL - - - INTERFACE BUSY:                                                     INFOrmation.sub.-- ANALyzed                                                                    (Calling Party Number, Called Party                                            Number, Primary Carrier)                                                       AIN EndOffice/Tandem- ->SCP                                    ANALyze.sub.-- ROUTe                                                                           (Terminal Number, PCSPID, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number, Calling                                             Party Number, Primary Carrier, Base                                            Station Routing Number)                                                        SCP- ->AIN EndOffice/Tandem                                    INITial.sub.-- ADDRess.sub.-- MESSage                                                          (Calling Party Number, PCSPID,                                                 Terminal Number, Universal Personal                                            Telephone Number, Base Station                                                 Routing Number)                                                                AIN EndOffice/Tandem- ->PSC                                    TERMinating ATTempt                                                                            (Calling Party Number, Base Station                                            Routing Number, PCSPID, Terminal                                               Number, Universal Personal Telephone                                           Number)                                                                        PSC- ->SCP                                                     Send.sub.-- To.sub.-- RESource                                                                 (Announcement ID, Play                                                         Announcement)                                                                  SCP- ->PSC                                                     NCA REQuest     (UPT, Terminal Number, Zone Routing                                            Number, Operation Code, PSCPID)                                                SCP- ->PSC                                                     REGister        (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number, Operation                                           Code)                                                          PAGE.sub.-- REQuest                                                                            PSC- ->IBS                                                                     (Terminal Number, Universal Personal                                           Telephone Number)                                                              IBS- ->Terminal                                                PAGE.sub.-- RESPonse                                                                           (Terminal Number, Universal Personal                                           Telephone Number)                                                              Terminal- ->IBS                                                RELease.sub.-- COMplete                                                                        (Terminal Number, Channel Identifica                                           tion, Terminal Status, Universal Person                                        al Telephone Number, Base Station                                              Routing Number, UPT)                                                           IBS- ->PSC                                                     NCA.sub.-- RESponse                                                                            (PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                            Personal Telephone Number, Terminal                                            Status, Base Station Telephone                                                 Number)                                                                        PSC- ->SCP                                                     FORWard.sub.-- CALL                                                                            (Calling Party Number, Forward to                                              Telephone Number, Terminal Number,                                             Universal Personal Telephone Number                                            SCP- ->PSC                                                     XI. FUNCTIONAL MESSAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR HAND-OFF                               SETup           (External Handoff Request, Base                                                Station Telephone Number-Old,                                                  PCSPID, Terminal Number, Universal                                             Personal Telephone                                                             Number)                                                                        Terminal- ->IBS.sub.-- new                                     SETup           (Feature Activation=Handoff Request,                                           Base Station Telephone Number-New,                                             Base Station Telephone Number-Old,                                             Terminal Number, Universal Personal                                            Telephone Number)                                                              IBS.sub.-- new- ->pSC                                          SETup           (Feature Activation=Handoff Request,                                           Base Station Telephone Number-Old,                                             Base Station Telephone Number-New,                                             Terminal Number, Universal Personal                                            Telephone Number)                                                              PSC- ->IBS-old                                                 CONNect         (Channel Identification, Derived Cipher                                        Key)                                                                           IBS.sub.-- Old- ->PSC                                          CONNect         (Derived Cipher Key)                                                           PSC- ->IBS.sub.-- new                                          CONNect.sub.-- ACKnowledge                                                                     PSC- ->IBS-old                                                 SETup.sub.-- ACKnowledge                                                                       (Terminal Number, Universal Personal                                           Telephone Number, Information Type)                                            IBS.sub.-- new- ->Terminal                                     FACility        (Feature Activate)                                                             Terminal- ->IBS.sub.-- new                                     CONNect.sub.-- ACKnowledge                                                                     IBS.sub.-- new- ->PSC                                          RElease         (Release Reason)                                                               Terminal- ->IBS-old                                            DISConnect      (Cause)                                                                        IBS-old- ->PSC                                                 RELease         (Cause, Feature Indication)                                                    PSC- ->IBS-old                                                 RELease.sub.-- COMplete                                                                        IBS-old- ->PSC                                                 XII. PCS DEFINITIONS                                                           Acknowledgement Code                                                                           This is Utilized to commute a                                                  specific functional components that                                            indicate the success or failure of                                             a registration request.                                        Base Station Routing Number                                                                    The routing telephone number of a                                              group of base stations.                                        Base Station Telephone                                                                         The actual routing number of a                                 Number          single Base Station "B" Channel                                Base Station Telephone                                                                         The actual routing number of a                                 Number - old    single Base Station "B" Channel                                                that has current control of a call                                             that requires hand-off.                                        Base Station Telephone                                                                         The actual routing number of a                                 Number - new    single Base Station "B" Channel                                                that has been selected to request a                                            hand-off from the network.                                     Basic Service:  This allows the user to specify the                                            basic aspects of the service                                                   requested.                                                     Called Party Number                                                                            The telephone number of the called                                             party.                                                         Calling Party Number                                                                           The telephone number of the calling                                            party.                                                         Cause           A value that is returned to                                                    describe why a message was                                                     received.                                                      Channel Identification                                                                         The "B" channel that is identified                                             for use during a specific call.                                Cipher Information                                                                             Information relevant to enabling                                               the cipher, identifying the                                                    algorithm to be utilized and the                                               cipher type.                                                   Connected Number                                                                               This is delivered to calling party                                             if the called number was re-                                                   directed in any way.                                           Derived Cipher Key (DCK)                                                                       The key utilized for ciphering and                                             deciphering data delivered over the                                            air.                                                           Display         This provides information that can                                             be viewed with a terminal capable                                              of displaying incoming data.                                   External Handoff Request                                                                       This element signal that a hand-off                                            process should be started.                                     Feature Activate                                                                               This signals that a specific                                                   feature should be activated.                                   Feature Activation                                                                             Utilized to activate a specific                                                feature as specified.                                          Feature Indication                                                                             Provided to signal an indication of                                            a feature.                                                     Forward to Telephone Number                                                                    This provides routing information                                              relevant to a re-routing of a                                                  specific call.                                                 Information Type                                                                               Defines specific call information.                             Keypad          This element provides call                                                     information related to user dialed                                             digits.                                                        Notification Indicator                                                                         Provides a notice that a certain                                               event has occurred.                                            Operation Code  Informs functional component                                                   regarding operation to perform.                                Personal Communications                                                                        The Numerical representation of a                              Service Provider                                                                               specific PCS provider.                                         Identity (PCSPID)                                                              Primary Carrier This specifies the user primary                                                inter-exchange carrier.                                        Progress Indicator                                                                             This provides certain indications                                              during a call process.                                         Reason Code     Provides information regarding a                                               rejection during a Service Request                                             operation.                                                     Reject Reason   Provides information regarding the                                             rejection of an operation.                                     Release Reason  Provides information relevant to a                                             release signal.                                                Random Number fixed part                                                                       A number, generated at the SCP that                            (RAND.sub.-- F) is utilized to calculate responses                                             to an issued challenge and derive a                                            cipher key agreement.                                          Result 1 (RES1) A result that is calculated at the                                             terminal and passed over the                                                   network toO prove authenticity of                                              the terminal.                                                  RS              A specific value that is resident                                              in the Providers database that is                                              utilized to calculate responses to                                             a challenge to achieve authentica-                                             tion and to derive a cipher key                                                agreement.                                                     Session Key (KS)                                                                               This is derived at the users home                                              SCP and in the users terminal                                                  handset and is utilized to                                                     calculate responses to a challenge                                             to achieve authentication and to                                               derive a cipher key agreement.                                 Signal          Provides the appropriate indication                                            that defines the signal that is                                                being applied.                                                 Terminal Number This is the unique identification                                              of the Coded terminal. It takes                                                the Decimal form of a 10 digit                                                 telephone number (UPT or NANP) that                                            has been provisioned into the                                                  terminal device by the PCSPID.                                 Terminal Status This element commutes the status of                                            a user or the interface such as                                                user busy, user not here, interface                                            busy.                                                          Universal Personal                                                                             A telephone number that is not tied                            Telephone Number (UPT)                                                                         to any Coded geographic location.                                              It provides the user with personal                                             mobility.                                                      User Profile    This user profile carries user                                                 specific information, such as: No                                              Answer Timer, billing number,                                                  carrier selection, class of                                                    service, calling restrictions,                                                 billing rate, charge type,                                                     deregistration time-out, vertical                                              services, etc.                                                 ______________________________________                                     

What is claimed is:
 1. A wireless digital personal communications system comprising in combination:a plurality of radio cell base stations, each radio cell base station having a respective radio cell coverage area, each radio cell base station comprising:means for digital communications with a switched network via a digital network interface protocol; means for assigning a communications channel to a specific handset terminal in the coverage area from a plurality of available communications channels; and means for effectuating communications between the handset terminals in said radio cell coverage area and a switched network; a plurality of handset terminals operatively disposed with said radio cell base stations, each handset terminal comprising: means for receiving and transmitting signal messages and communications messages to one or more of the radio cell base stations; means for selecting a radio cell base station for location registration of the handset terminal with a switched network; means for seeking and determining an intercell hand-off from an existing radio cell base station to a second radio cell base station; at least one switched network, each switched network operatively disposed with said radio cell base stations, each switched network comprising:means for connecting each of the radio cell base stations to the switched network; means for effectuating intercell hand-off from a first radio cell coverage area to a second radio cell coverage area; means for converting the interface protocol to a second protocol for interconnection to a service control point data base; and means for determining and accepting calls to and from a plurality of switched networks; and a service control point data base comprising:means for location registration of the handset terminals with at least one radio cell coverage area,said personal communications system providing intercell hand-off through distributed logic that is resident in the handset terminals, distributed logic that is resident in the radio cell base stations, and distributed logic that is resident at predetermined locations in the switched network.
 2. The wireless digital personal communications system according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of radio cell base stations, said plurality of handset terminals, and said service control point data base further comprise means for authenticating each handset terminal.
 3. The wireless digital personal communications system according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of radio cell base stations, said plurality of handset terminals and said service control point data base further comprise means for securing communications between each handset terminal and said radio cell base station in accordance with a predetermined encryption and decryption technique.
 4. The wireless digital personal communications system according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of radio cell base stations and said plurality of handset terminals further comprise switched network means for grouping each handset terminal into predetermined zone configurations, said configurations capable of being changed over the air.
 5. The wireless digital personal communications system according to claim 1 wherein said switched network and said service control point data base further comprise means for call forwarding an unanswered call to a predetermined location.
 6. The wireless digital personal communications system according to any of claims 1-5 where the second protocol is a transaction application protocol.
 7. The wireless digital personal communications system according to any of claims 1-5 where said second protocol is an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) transaction application protocol.
 8. The wireless digital personal communications system according to any of claims 1-5 where said second protocol is an X.25 transaction application protocol.
 9. The wireless digital personal communications system according to any of claim 1-5 where the means for location registration of the handset terminals includes a means for storing handset terminal profiles.
 10. The wireless digital personal communications system according to any of claims 1-5 where the means for location registration of the handset terminals include a means for storing handset terminal user profiles.
 11. The wireless digital personal communications system according to claim 1 wherein said switched network is a public switched telephone network.
 12. The wireless digital personal communications system according to claim 1 wherein said digital network interface protocol is ISDN.
 13. The wireless digital personal communications system according to claim 1 wherein at least some of the handset terminals are portable.
 14. The wireless digital personal communications system according to claim 1 wherein the handset terminals each comprise means for selecting a voice communications channel of an operatively disposed radio cell base station by scanning the available channels, comparing the quality of the signals, and then selecting one of the communications channels.
 15. The wireless digital personal communications system according to claim 1 wherein the handset terminal means for seeking and determining an intercell handoff is operative to send a handoff request to a second radio cell base station, said handoff request identifying the respective handset terminal and a first radio cell base station with which the handset terminal is currently in communication.
 16. The wireless digital personal communications system according to claim 1 where the radio cell coverage area has a radius of less than 5280 feet.
 17. A wireless digital personal communications system comprising in combination:a plurality of radio cell base station sites having at least one radio cell base station, each radio cell base station site having a respective radio cell coverage area, each radio cell base station comprising:means for digital communications with a switched network via a digital network interface protocol; means for assigning a communications channel to a specific handset terminal in the coverage area from a plurality of available communications channels; and means for effectuating communications between the handset terminals in said radio cell coverage area and a switched network; a plurality of handset terminal sites, each handset terminal site operatively disposed initially with an associated radio cell base station site, each handset terminal site having a respective radio cell reception area, each handset terminal site having a plurality of handset terminals, each handset terminal comprising:means for receiving and transmitting signal messages and communications messages to one or more of the radio cell base stations; means for selecting a radio cell base station for location registration of the handset terminal with a switched network; means for seeking and determining an intercell hand-off from an existing radio cell base station to a second radio cell base station; at least one switched network, each switched network operatively disposed with said radio cell base stations, each switched network comprising:means for connecting each of the radio cell base stations to the switched network; means for effectuating intercell hand-off from a first radio cell coverage area to a second radio cell coverage area; means for converting the interface protocol to a second protocol for interconnection to a service control point data; and means for determining and accepting calls to and from a plurality of switched networks; and a service control point data base comprising:means for location registration of the handset terminals with at least one radio cell coverage area,said personal communications system providing intercell hand-off through distributed logic that is resident in the handset terminals, distributed logic that is resident in the radio cell base stations, and distributed logic that is resident at predetermined locations in the switched network.
 18. The wireless digital personal communications system according to claim 17 wherein said plurality of radio cell base stations, said plurality of handset terminals, and said service control point data base further comprise means for authenticating each handset terminal.
 19. The wireless digital personal communications system according to claim 17 wherein said plurality of radio cell base stations, said plurality of handset terminals and said service control point data base further comprise means for securing communications between each handset terminal and said radio cell base station in accordance with a predetermined encryption and decryption technique.
 20. The wireless digital personal communications system according to claim 17 wherein said plurality of radio cell base stations and said plurality of handset terminals further comprise switched network means for grouping each handset terminal into predetermined zone configurations, said configurations capable of being changed over the air.
 21. The wireless digital personal communications system according to claim 17 wherein said switched network and said service control point data base further comprise means for call forwarding an unanswered call to a predetermined location.
 22. The wireless digital personal communications system according to claim 17 wherein said switched network is a public switched telephone network.
 23. The wireless digital personal communications system according to claim 17 wherein said digital network interface protocol is ISDN.
 24. The wireless digital personal communications system according to claim 17 wherein at least some of the handset terminals are portable.
 25. The wireless digital personal communications system according to claim 17 wherein the handset terminals each comprise means for selecting a voice communications channel of an operatively disposed radio cell base station by scanning the available channels, comparing the quality of the signals, and then selecting one of the communications channels.
 26. The wireless digital personal communications system according to claim 17 wherein the handset terminal means for seeking and determining an intercell handoff is operative to send a handoff request to a second radio cell base station, said handoff request indentifying the respective handset terminal and a first radio cell base station with which the handset terminal is currently in communication. 